Lakers Off to Scorching 2-0 Start Behind AD’s Dominance
The Los Angeles Lakers are cooking with gas to kick off the 2024-25 NBA season, and their superstar big man Anthony Davis is the one lighting the fire. After torching the Phoenix Suns for 35 points in a 123-116 victory on Wednesday night, Davis has now dropped 35 in each of the Lakers’ first two games—a feat matched by only two other players in the storied franchise’s history.
While it took Davis a few guesses to name those other two Lakers legends who share his early-season scoring prowess—Jerry West in 1969 and Elgin Baylor in 1962—there’s no mistaking just how dominant and determined AD has been out of the gates. He looks healthy, hungry, and hell-bent on reminding the basketball world that when he’s at his best, few can match his tour de force talent.
LeBron: AD “The Main Focal Point”
Even Davis’ illustrious teammate LeBron James, who chipped in a casual 21 points and 8 assists in the win over Phoenix, recognizes that this is AD’s time to shine.
“It’s very important that he’s the main focal point for us every single night,” James said after the game. “We know what he’s going to do defensively, but offensively we have to find him in multiple places on the floor throughout the whole game. And we’ve done that through two games.”
– LeBron James on Anthony Davis
That offensive focus was on full display against the Suns, as the Lakers battled back from an early 22-point deficit largely on the broad shoulders of Davis, who punished Phoenix inside and out. His versatile scoring arsenal was firing on all cylinders.
Rising Star Reaves Raves About AD
Third-year guard Austin Reaves, fresh off a breakout season and poised for an even bigger role this year, also gushed about Davis’ early-season excellence. Reaves was impressive in his own right with 26 points and 8 assists against the Suns, but he was quick to redirect the praise to his superstar teammate.
“What he’s been doing is kind of, it’s unreal obviously, but I expect him to go dominate the game in many facets,” Reaves said of Davis. “I’m just lucky to have him as a teammate.”
– Austin Reaves on Anthony Davis
Lakers fans are undoubtedly feeling just as fortunate to have a motivated and mesmerizing Anthony Davis leading the charge. The last time the Lakers started 2-0? It was the 2010-11 season under Phil Jackson, a campaign that ended with an NBA Finals appearance.
Coach Redick’s Recipe for Success
New head coach JJ Redick, who’s pushing all the right buttons so far, wisely deflected the credit to his dominant big man when asked about the hot start.
“There’s an intentionality to have [Davis] involved as much as possible,” Redick said. “We recognize what type of player he is and that he can create mismatches…The ball is going to find him.”
– Coach JJ Redick on Anthony Davis
And find him it has. Through two games, Davis has been an unstoppable force, averaging an eye-popping stat line:
- 35.0 points per game
- 68.6% field goal shooting
- 90% free throw shooting
- 14.0 rebounds per game
- 2.5 blocks per game
Those are the kind of numbers that place Davis not just among the early front-runners for MVP, but also in the rarefied air of the greatest to ever wear the Purple and Gold.
Key Takeaways From the Lakers’ 2-0 Start
So what have we learned from the Lakers’ blistering start with wins over the defending champion Warriors and talented Suns? Here are the top takeaways:
- Anthony Davis is on a mission. After an injury-plagued 2023-24 season, AD looks determined to re-establish himself as the most dominant two-way force in the game. When healthy and engaged, he’s nearly impossible to stop.
- LeBron is embracing his co-star role. Now in his 22nd season, James seems content to cede the spotlight to Davis while still stuffing the stat sheet and making winning plays. His leadership and ability to adapt remain unmatched.
- The Lakers have enviable depth. With Reaves, Lonnie Walker IV, Troy Brown Jr., Kendrick Nunn, and others providing scoring punch and defensive intensity off the bench, LA looks much deeper and more versatile compared to last season.
- Coach Redick has this team clicking. For a first-time head coach, Redick has quickly earned the trust and respect of his players. His modern offensive philosophy and attention to detail on defense have the Lakers playing an exciting and effective brand of basketball.
Of course, it’s still very early in this marathon of an NBA season. The Lakers will face tougher tests and inevitable adversity as the games and months roll on.
But if the first two games are any indication—with a clean bill of health, a rejuvenated roster, and a superstar big man playing like a man possessed—this Lakers team has the potential to make some serious noise in the Western Conference and beyond.
For now, Lakers Nation is riding high, basking in the glow of Anthony Davis’ early-season brilliance and dreaming of what this team might accomplish if they can sustain this level of play. One thing’s for sure: If AD keeps playing like this, the rest of the NBA better watch out. The King may have found his perfect co-star, and the Lakers’ revenge tour is just getting started.
