Anthony Davis’ Dominance Has NBA Fans Hyped as LeBron James-Less Lakers Beat Jazz

Erin WalshFebruary 15, 2024

Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images

Anthony Davis was the leader the Los Angeles Lakers needed him to be on Wednesday night with LeBron James sidelined on the second night of a back-to-back.

Davis powered the Purple and Gold to a 138-122 win over the Utah Jazz at Delta Center in Salt Lake City thanks to a dominant third quarter that saw him put up 17 points and eight rebounds.

Davis finished the game with 37 points, 15 rebounds, one assist and one block. It marked his best game since he put up 41 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and one block in a win over the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 9.

The Lakers improved to 30-26 on the season with Wednesday’s win and they remain firmly in the playoff hunt amid an up-and-down campaign.

After the win, NBA fans were quick to praise Davis for his dominance, with some even suggesting he should be in the MVP conversation:

Wilt Chamberlain @nick_nerviesAnthony Davis has been exceptional this year

S.ONE.DA @S1daANTHONY DAVIS IS THE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR! #LakeShow

Genesis Olaes @GenesisOla20371Anthony Davis is a Laker, ladies and gentleman.

Sometimes I have to tell myself this is really real. He’s here.

Milly 🐏 @emelendez30ANTHONY DAVIS THE BEST HOOPER IN THE WORLD IDC!! 🔥😈 pic.twitter.com/RIQKlBDAMr

teezo touchgrass @toriimacdaddyAnthony Davis is just different. Special.

Edwin @Alas_021Anthony Davis is insane man

Daniel Starkand @DStarkandAnthony Davis is ridiculously good at basketball. Can’t say it enough.

Tony Jones @TjonesonthenbaOh my word Anthony Davis has been so dominant tonight

coach xavier @thexavierjosephanthony davis domination

GoldenKnight @GoldenKnightGFXAnthony Davis is the best big in the world

Kaye Ann @MsKayeAnnAnthony Davis, MVP, DPOY

Flaulis CEO♔FashoJ™ @4ShoStlWhy Anthony Davis is not in the MVP conversation let alone #1 for DPOY is beyond me.

Davis is putting together a special season, earning his first All-Star selection since the 2020-21 campaign. He entered Wednesday’s game averaging 24.6 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.1 blocks and 2.5 blocks in 51 games while shooting 55.4 percent from the floor.

With the Lakers aiming to make a big push to close out the regular season and secure a playoff berth, the team will need Davis to remain healthy and to continue dominating games.