Anthony Davis is renowned for his versatile оffensive prowess, as he can score from virtually any location, and is also one of the NBA’s best defenders overall. However, the icon for the Los Angeles Lakers has recently demonstrated an additional significantly enhanced facet of his game: his passing prowess.

Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks, Davis contributed nine assists in addition to his 28 points and 12 rebounds in the Lakers’ 17-point victory. Davis has recorded a minimum of five assists in four of his most recent five contests, including a career-high eleven against the Utah Jazz on Saturday evening.

LeBron James has a theory as to why Anthony Davis is accumulating more assists, and that theory entails drawing lessons from one of the all-time finest distributors in NBA history.

“He is gaining knowledge of how to pass out of the post from me,” LeBron said following the victory. “I intend to be sincere. His efforts have been dedicated to it, and it’s magnificent. Soon, teams will cease doubling him.

Teams will refrain from doubling him so long as we continue to create opportunities for him to make attempts. It is our responsibility to ensure that we are in the proper position when he is reinforced. We are facing a numbers game in which the backside will be four-on-three, so we must position ourselves accordingly.”

The crucial factor, as LeBron stated, is that the remaining Lakers make outside shots. Having to account for shooters will further complicate opponents’ attempts to double-team him and restrict his access to the interior. This will enable Davis to engage in more frequent one-on-ones in the post, where virtually no one can consistently halt him.

The fact that Davis forces opponents to pay for double-teams increases the peril of the Lakers’ offense, but the snipers must still complete their attempts. While LeBron James’ career year from three-point range is advantageous, other 3-point specialists such as Christian Wood, D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Taurean Prince must also consistently convert wide looks. Doing so will elevate the caliber of the Lakers’ offense.

Anthony Davis believes that his Lakers starting lineup will rely heavily on defense.

Undoubtedly, the Lakers’ reversion to their original starting lineup offers the essential shooting capability. Davis, however, believes that success will be determined on the opposing side of the ball.

“In my opinion, our only weakness is on the defensive end.” By applying our defensive style as we did tonight against all opponents, we will position ourselves to secure victories in basketball contests. Consequently, I believe that the defense is the most crucial factor, and we base our plays on it. “Whether it’s during transition or when I’m playing, whether it’s through Bron, AR, or whoever else, I believe the defense is what will set us apart and ensure we have more victories than defeats.”

Additionally, Davis emphasized that collective effort on the glass, an area in which the Lakers have frequently faltered this season, will be crucial for the starting lineup.