Anthony Davis had his best season as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers last year and one of the best all-around seasons of his career. The big man played a career-high 76 games, averaged career-best rebounds and had the second-best shooting season of his career while being named All-Defensive First Team and All-NBA Second Team.

Going into this season, Davis will have even more to carry as new head coach JJ Redick plans to make Davis more of an offensive center for the Lakers and support him more as both a scorer and playmaker. In order for the Lakers to perform at their best, Davis must be the best player on the court and he is ready to do just that.

The big man talked about it after a recent practice, when Davis said he’s focused on being dominant in every Lakers game and getting even better than he was last year, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN:

“To always be aggressive in the game and to be dominant in every game. I’m doing my job, doing my part and helping this team do what we need to do. Taking on a match defensively, taking on a role offensively, being a leader on this team, carrying us into games, playoffs, whatever it takes. We can’t rely so much on our individual games. Obviously it’s a team effort that we want to build, but for me personally it’s just the job of making sure I’m even better than I was last year.”

If Davis is even better than he was last season, that would go a long way toward helping the Lakers return to contender status. Of course, that starts with him being healthy and Davis being on the field most games like he did last season and when he’s on the field he has the attitude he was talking about.

There were times when Davis seemed to fade into the background during games, having a great first half followed by next to nothing in the second. He’s the best two-way big man in the NBA, and when he’s locked down, there are few who can keep up with him. The Lakers will be looking for this version of Davis every night and it sounds like he’s willing to give it to them.

The Lakers’ Austin Reaves still doesn’t think Anthony Davis is getting the recognition he deserves

The Lakers undoubtedly recognize everything Anthony Davis does for this team, but guard Austin Reaves has spoken a few times in the past about not getting the recognition he deserves. And Reaves still feels that’s the case today.

Reaves spoke about it after a recent preseason game, saying that Davis is getting some recognition, but not nearly at the level he deserves for all he means to the Lakers on both ends of the court. Reaves added that since Davis isn’t really looking for recognition, he will speak openly about it to ensure the big man gets what he deserves.

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