Gilbert Arenas Believes Anthony Davis Is One Of The Best Big Men In LA Lakers History
Davis has already put together an impressive resume with the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most decorated franchises in sports history. Along with 17 championships and countless playoff appearances, they also had many special players perform in the purple and gold jerseys.
On a recent episode of Gilbert Arena’s podcast Gil’s Arena Show, Arenas said Anthony Davis is a better big man than Pau Gasol.
“If you don’t have him [Davis] over [Pau] Gasol, like something’s wrong with you.” - Gilbert Arenas
Throughout his 18-year career, Gasol established himself as one of the greatest European players of all time. His years with the Lakers, however, were some of his best.
After spending his first seven years with the Memphis Grizzlies, he was sent to the Lakers via a controversial trade. During his seven years in Los Angeles, he competed alongside Kobe Bryant, forming one of the greatest duos in Laker history.
In the seven seasons he played with the Lakers, Gasol averaged a combined 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. To go along with the impressive numbers, he earned three All-Star and All-NBA selections. His efforts even helped the Lakers make six consecutive playoff appearances while winning back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.
Davis has and is still filling in big shoes
Following seven great seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, Davis was traded to the Lakers in 2019.
In just his first year with the organization, Davis averaged 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. Not only did he earn an All-Star selection, but he finished the season sixth in voting for Most Valuable Player and second for Defensive Player of the Year.
When the 2020 playoffs arrived, he continued to perform at a high level. While averaging 27.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks, he helped the Lakers win a championship for the first time since 2010.
The next five seasons were nearly a replica in terms of numbers. In those five years combined, Davis averaged 24.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks. He earned two more All-Star selections while finishing fourth in voting for Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
Considering Davis already has the numbers and accolades, Arenas might have a legit argument.
Cory Nelson is a contributor to The Lead. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson, Instagram @ckenzynelson, and Threads @ckenzynelson