A Modern Day Giant In Lakers Lore
Photo: Erik Drost - https://www.flickr.com/photos/edrost88/51959674513/
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY 2.0
Story by: Gail Nobles
Hello! I'm Gail Nobles. Welcome to EPS!
Let me bring your attention to a towering figure in the world of basketball—the one and only Anthony Davis. Yes, we've seen giants walk the hardwood before—names like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have graced the iconic Los Angeles Lakers. What do they all share, you ask? They stood tall, both physically and in the Los Angeles World of basketball greatness.
Now, let's put this in perspective. Chamberlain, in his time as a Laker from 1968 to 1973, made a jaw-dropping 17,783 points, becoming a crucial piece of the Lakers’ success. Then we had the great Kareem, the skyhook magician, lighting it up with a staggering 24,176 points from 1975 to 1989 with the purple and gold. Both of these legends shaped their eras, and they did so from the lofty heights that only a few can claim.
Enter Anthony Davis, a man who was acquired by the Lakers in July 2019. The trade was no small affair, mind you. The Pelicans sent Davis packing, trading him for a bundle that included Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and three first-round picks. It was a transaction that set the stage for a new chapter in Lakers history.
Davis made his much-anticipated debut on October 22, 2019, putting the league on notice with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, though it was a loss to the archrival Clippers. However, it wasn’t long before he started rewriting the record books. Just a week later, on October 29, Davis became the first Laker to post a 40-point, 20-rebound game since the great Shaquille O'Neal did it back in 2003. But hold your horses—he did it in just 30 minutes! That’s right—30 minutes to make history!
But wait, there’s more! In that electrifying performance, he set the NBA record for free throws in a quarter with 18, matching those numbers in a half and even setting the game record at 26. That’s making a statement, folks!
From 2019 to 2025, Anthony Davis has dazzled fans with his variety and skill, racking up a considerable 7,739 points in that time. While some may see that number and think it doesn't stack up against Wilt or Kareem, let me remind you—he's still writing his story.
Then came February 2, 2025—an earth-shattering trade to the Dallas Mavericks, where he joined forces with the incomparable Luka Dončić. Two reigning All-NBA players exchanged midseason? You bet your sneakers, folks! This was a monumental deal that shook the very foundation of the league.
So there you have it—a brief glimpse into the career of Anthony Davis—an athlete who stands tall among the greats and continues to carve his own legacy with every jump shot, rebound, and blocked shot. In the world of basketball, height isn’t just about inches—it’s about impact, and I’d say Davis is definitely making his mark!
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