To the surprise of many, the Los Angeles Lakers have started the new NBA season 3-0. They have defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, who went to the Western Conference Finals last season, the star-studded Phoenix Suns and the freewheeling Sacramento Kings to establish that 3-0 record.
The man who is most responsible for this seemingly auspicious start is Anthony Davis. He had the best year of his basketball career last season, and he has picked up where he left off. He scored 36 points on opening night versus Minnesota, 35 against Phoenix and 31 points in the win over the Kings. He’s averaging 34.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 blocked shots a game while shooting 57.1% from the field and 40% from 3-point range in those three games.
On Monday, Davis was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for his dominant play.
The superstar big man has been chronically underappreciated and disrespected over the years, but he earned a bit more respect after his terrific performance last season. Another year like that would likely shift his narrative even more, not to mention help the Lakers outperform the gloomy expectations many have for them.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Anthony Davis is named Western Conference Player of the Week