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Anthony Davis reportedly had the ‘best summer of training’ in his career
After a pair of frustrating seasons, Anthony Davis wants to take the reigns for the Lakers after one of the best summers of training of his career.
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Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Since his arrival in Los Angeles, the expectation for Anthony Davis has been to take over the future of the franchise from the hands of LeBron James. While he looked destined for that fate after the bubble in the 2019-20 season, back-to-back injury-riddled seasons have completely derailed that fortune.
Now, heading into his fourth season in LA, Davis has been outspoken about being ready to take that mantle once again. In an interview with Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Davis spoke about his desire to be The Guy after a terrific summer of work.
Those close to Davis shared with Yahoo Sports that the forward had his best summer of training. There has always been chatter about Davis leading the Lakers for a full season, but those close to him believe he has positioned himself to do so this year.
“All I can do is lead by my actions,” Davis told Yahoo Sports. “I’m excited for this challenge and what’s ahead. I think we have a great group of guys to get the job done. It’s now about putting in the work.”
Words are only worth so much — and it’s not the first time we’ve heard about a motivated AD — and actions have to matter at some point. For AD, we’re probably well past that point. Until AD can prove over multiple seasons that he can be The Guy, it’ll be hard for Lakers fans to view him as such. There’s a level of consistency that is required that AD hasn’t shown simply by not being available.
The good news is that he spoke after the Lakers first practice on Wednesday about his biggest goal this season.
I would imagine there aren’t many Laker fans that want him to play 82 games, but the sentiment could be there. AD being available for all 82 games would be a positive while still being rested a fair amount as well.
For now, though, it’s a lot of lip service until he can prove his health, availability and level of play all line up to make him The Guy moving forward.
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Anthony Davis shows off insane body transformation as NBA fans claim he’s ‘bulked up’ during offseason
LOS Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis has seemingly bulked up over the summer, sending NBA fans’ expectations of him through the roof.
The Lakers shared pictures of the eight-time NBA All-Star working out on social media earlier this week.
2Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis looked bulked up in recent offseason practice photos
2Davis’ stunning physique sent NBA fans’ expectations of the eight-time All-Star through the roof
In the photos, Davis could be seen lifting weights and doing pull-ups.
The former No. 1 pick let his hair grow and left it unbraided in a noticeable hairstyle change from last season.
But his body transformation captured even more attention on social media.
Many NBA fans pointed out that Davis looked bigger with his biceps and arms appearing to be visibly rounder and more defined.
Michael Jordan was so competitive I couldn’t leave pool table for an hour
“AD done bulked,” one wrote.
“Bro is looking big,” another tweeted.
“You can tell AD been putting in work this summer,” a third added.
And one wrote: “Getting swole. I like it. Get that weight up for a couple of years.