Way too early prediction for the Lakers 2023-24 starting lineup

Center: Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis has been the topic of much debate in recent years due to his mounting injury history and lack of consistency on offense. He is not a perfect superstar, often reliant on James and others to create scoring opportunities and kickstart the offense. Davis’ aggression has a tendency to waver and, of course, availability is the best ability — something Davis can’t always achieve for reasons beyond his control.

All that said, Davis at full capacity was a borderline MVP candidate for the Lakers last season. Had he played a full season instead of 56 games, he would’ve been a shoo-in for All-NBA and potentially a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.

Davis really shined on the defensive end in the playoffs. He was the most imposing defender of the entire tournament, walling off the paint and devouring possessions with his rim protection. He absolutely destroyed the defending champs with his physicality in the second round and he was the Lakers’ best player front-to-back in a conference finals run. That’s a real credit to Davis’ two-way talent.

The Lakers will undoubtedly keep Davis. There’s no viable trade candidate on the market who can match Davis’ value as a defensive centerpiece and offensive finisher. Davis should work hard to become more consistent and perhaps iron out the kinks in his jumper, but those are marginal concerns with a top-10 player, not existential problems that will keep the Lakers from reaching the mountaintop.

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