Former NBA massive man DeMarcus Cousins thinks that LeBron James is the rationale Anthony Davis is going through elevated criticism.
There are some enormous benefits of taking part in with LeBron, particularly for a storied franchise just like the Lakers.
However, Cousins believes that by taking part in on the identical group as one of many greats like LeBron, you open your self as much as way more criticism than normal.
That’s what’s occurred with AD because the pair shaped their partnership in 2019.
“I believe it comes with the surroundings,” Cousins mentioned on Run It Again. “Clearly being teammates with one of many best to ever contact – undoubtedly on the Mount Rushmore of gamers in LeBron James – when issues go unhealthy, everyone knows it’s a listing of fellows that’s gonna be blamed earlier than it will get to one of the best participant on the group – or among the finest to ever play. And that’s simply the surroundings. On prime of that, he performs for the Lakers. They’ve a tricky fan base.
“…You may common 25 and 12 and it nonetheless not be sufficient,” Cousins continued. “That’s not sufficient. It’s championship or bust irrespective of the season, irrespective of the time,” Cousins mentioned. “That’s simply the territory that comes with being a teammate of LeBron James, as a result of greatness at all times comes with him, and the identical factor goes with being a Laker. So, I believe that performs an enormous half within the criticism he (Davis) receives…”
Certainly one of Davis’ greatest downfalls previously was his capability to remain wholesome, however he has performed in 65 of the Lakers’ 69 video games in 2023-24.
He has additionally been among the finest defenders within the league and is ranked fifth within the NBA for variety of blocks (2.4) per recreation and is ranked third within the league for rebounds (12.3) per recreation.
However, so long as the Lakers proceed to drop straightforward wins and sit dangerously near the Play-In territory with their 37-32 report and .536 profitable share, the criticism of AD will proceed.
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