Anthony Davis sends warning to rest of NBA about Lakers

Dec 18, 2020; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) against the Phoenix Suns during a preseason game at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a strong start this season, and Anthony Davis thinks it would be a mistake for the rest of the NBA to view that as a coincidence.

Davis scored 31 points to help lead the Lakers to a 131-127 win over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. He had a message for the rest of the league after the game.

“We’ve been able to hold our own and put the league on notice that we’re a different team,” Davis said.

Anthony Davis on the Lakers’ 3-0 start: “We’ve been able to hold our own and put the league on notice that we’re a different team.”

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) October 27, 2024

The Lakers did not make many significant changes to their roster their offseason. That is why some people view Davis’ comment as a knock on former L.A. head coach Darvin Ham. While the sample size is incredibly small, the Lakers look improved thus far under new head coach JJ Redick.

LeBron James led all scorers with 32 points on Saturday night. Health will be the big question for the Lakers this season with LeBron set to turn 40, though he seems as confident as ever with the lofty goal he has set for himself.

It is very possible that Davis and company feel Reddick will be able to get more out of them than Ham did. The rest of the NBA will probably need to see the Lakers sustain the early success before they feel they have been put on notice.

Lakers fans, show everyone who runs LA with this great T-shirt. It makes a perfect gift for you or a friend. You can buy it here.