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Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Davis has a sneaky case for MVP

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Staples Center on February 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Staples Center on February 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Anthony Davis is having a better season than LeBron James

It is quite staggering that LeBron James is getting all of the MVP buzz considering that Anthony Davis is having an objectively better season than James. Sure, James is the face of basketball, has still displayed he is one of the best players on the planet and is defeating father time, but that does not change the numbers.

Davis is averaging more points, rebounds, steals and blocks than LeBron. He has a better field goal percentage, free-throw percentage and is playing minimally fewer minutes per game than LeBron and is taking fewer shots.

It is not the case of Davis being the primary scoring option as LeBron is averaging 19.6 field goal attempts per game whereas Davis is averaging 17.9, yet Davis is still averaging 1.2 points more per game than LeBron.

Not to mention that Davis is an anchor defensively and is not only much better than LeBron on the defensive side of the court, but is the favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year.

As impactful as LeBron is and how important his playmaking and ability to run the offense are to the Lakers, Davis’ defense is single-handily the most important thing for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Davis could have the exact same offensive output and skill set but if he was a below-average defender then the team would not only have a worse record but would probably fall in the playoffs to the Los Angeles Clippers and it would not be close.

James might be the face of the Lakers right now, and that is fine, he is the face of the league. Davis has not only been the better player but has been the more important player.

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