"AD is balling, he's dominating" — Shaquille O'Neal speaks on Anthony Davis' recent play
Shaquille O'Neal and Anthony Davis
© Darren Yamashita and Michael McLoone - USA TODAY Sports
NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal knows a thing or two about dominating the competition, and he likes what he is seeing from Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis.
Davis and the Lakers started the season off slow, stumbling to a 2-10 start, but the franchise has turned their fortunes around on the back of the extraordinary play from the 29-year-old.
Davis' run has been phenomenal
Coming off a monster performance in which he put up 55 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks in a win against the Washington Wizards, the Kentucky product has rekindled the Lakers' quest for the postseason through his dominance.
In what seemed like a lost season destined for disappointment, the roster has suddenly won 8 of their last 10 games and finds themselves just 3 and a half games back from the 8th seed in the Western Conference.
Although Shaq has been retired for over a decade, he still keeps a close eye on his beloved Lakers – a franchise that transcended him into a household name. O'Neal is always keen for the organization to do well, and this campaign is no different.
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Shaq understands dominant play better than anyone.
Recently, the four-time NBA champion sang the praises of Davis while featuring on "The Big Podcast" with Nischelle Turner and Spice Adams.
"AD is balling, and he's been playing the 4. There is a lot of versatile 4s, but there aren't many versatile Centers. When he moved to Center, and they run the offense through him these are the numbers that you are going to get. Now, can he stay healthy? You know when he's in shape and he's flowing, these are the numbers you are going to get. You know that 55, that's AD when he says 'I'm going to be AD'. He's dominating, and I'm happy for him and the Lakers," Shaq said.
Davis has been on an absolute tear throughout the Lakers' rejuvenation. In his last 10 games, he's averaging 35.3 points, 15.6 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, shooting 65% from the floor, connecting on 46% of his three-point attempts, and nailing 88% of his free throws.
MVP consideration incoming?
These godly numbers are even more impressive, considering running partner LeBron James is also averaging 25.8 points and 6.4 assists on a healthy usage rate.
For the season as a whole, Davis is posting 27.3 points ranking 10th in the association and 12.3 rebounds per night - good for best in the league.
If the Lakers continue their upward trend and steadily pile up the wins, the versatile power forward could find himself in the thick of the MVP discussions sooner rather than later through his outstanding play.
