LA Lakers: LeBron James and Anthony Davis follow in the footsteps of dynamic duos Kareem-Johnson and Shaq-Kobe
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, Shaquille O' Neal and Kobe Bryant, and now LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Los Angeles Lakers have had the one-two punch combo players for years now and each time the partnership has culminated in producing something of an extraordinaire. Each time they play, it's poetry in motion. The perfect assist, the precision passing, the subtle eye contact, the immense confidence and faith in each other coupled with some manic skills made these partnerships a sight to behold.
The LeBron-Davis celebration of their detailed, yet astoundingly quick cross between a high-five and a handshake that sees a series of slaps, twists, snaps is a sign when things go right. Game 2 was an example when both players dubbed as the "dynamic duo" had that blink-and-miss celebration after posting a clinical win over the Miami heat. The move was orchestrated to near perfection just as their chemistry is on the court. There's no surprise these two are destined to create more of that magic.
There's a stark difference. James is a veteran in the sport now while Davis still has more than enough mileage left to become the world's greatest if he continues to ride his rich wave of form. James is fine wine. Gets better by the day and age. With 36 not far away, he might have the legs for one more championship with the Los Angeles Lakers and perhaps two if he's intent on equalling Michael Jordan to be a six-time Finals MVP winner.
Their first year together was all about laying the groundwork. They read each other's style of play and fed off it too. They both booked a slot on the All-NBA First Team and if James powered up on the offense, Davis was a blend of both lending a hand to the defenders with some deft handwork and clutch plays. While James' contract goes up till 2021-22. Davis, speculated to go as a free agent, might end up with the Lakers for another season.
The secret to success was outlined clearly by James's postgame words. "We're not jealous of each other. I think that's the best thing," James said explaining his relationship with Davis. "In professional sports, you have guys that join forces. You can call them alpha males. That's what they call them. Two guys that have been dominant in a specific sport on their own respective teams, and they get together and they talk about how dominant they can be and they talk about this is going to be this and that. I believe jealousy creeps in a lot. And that is the absolute contrary to what we are."
"We know who we are. We know what we're about. We want the best, seriously, every single day, both on and off the floor, for one another. We're just not jealous of one another. I think that you align that with respect, I think the sky's the limit," he added.
