The Los Angeles Lakers won the 2020 NBA title led by superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. After failing to qualify for the playoffs in the previous season, they traded for Davis, who helped them to change their fortunes. Following their win, LeBron told AD, “This is your team. This is your time.” 

So are the Lakers really Davis’ team, or is it still LeBron’s team? Former NBA champion Matt Barnes agrees with the former sentiment.

“I think it’s real talk,” he said on ESPN’s The Jump. “LeBron realizes that he needs AD as much as anyone does. I look at the Lakers like a fancy, luxury car, with AD sitting in the back, and LeBron is still the driver. It’s still LeBron’s team, he’s the most important piece to the team.

“But it’s definitely AD’s team because LeBron’s gonna be in Year 18, AD is still fairly young, still getting better. So everything is built around AD now.”

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Is Anthony Davis ready to lead the Lakers?

The 2012 #1 overall pick, Davis, was criticized for his lack of leadership during his time with the Pelicans. Now playing alongside one of the best leaders the game has seen, Davis is getting better. Lakers veteran Jared Dudley says that Davis is underrated as a leader.

“Anthony Davis doesn’t get enough credit as far as being a leader. People always think it’s LeBron to AD. AD’s presence defensively, him being a beast. LeBron trying to integrate him the right way, him being more vocal, him getting on teammates. People don’t see that side. LeBron might be the leader. But don’t get it twisted. There are many times that he’s more vocal than LeBron.”

While Davis may not be the most vocal player, he chooses to lead by example. Throughout the season, he has had many games where he outshone LeBron and led the team.

With LeBron heading into his 18th season in the league, he needs Davis more than ever. While he will still continue to play at elite levels, he needs Davis to support him and lead from the front.

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