Anthony Davis breaks down why he was unhappy with LA Lakers, ‘it was never about…’

Anthony Davis wanted to play power forward for the Los Angeles Lakers

Davis is the perfect modern day center. He’s a physical force down low on both ends of the court. He can play in the post, step outside and hit threes and play in the pick and roll with guards.

At his best, Davis is in the discussion for being the best defender in the NBA. He can guard all five positions on the perimeter and in the paint. One of the only things that stops him from being an all-time great center is his unwillingness to play the position.

Davis has always wanted to play the power forward position. He spent a lot of time at center for the Lakers, but he thinks that put unnecessary wear and tear on his body. 

Speaking to FOX 4, he explained, “I played five. And my thing was never about five or four or anything like that. It was about just playing a five the entire game, for the entire season, just a little bit more wear and tear on your body.

“I didn’t do that until my second year in LA. The first year we won, it was JaVale and Dwight, and before that in New Orleans, I was never the five. I was always the four. So it was just different for me playing the five, and I just felt like I was better at the four.

“Now, did I play five at times in LA and New Orleans? Absolutely, but for the entire season then I prefer the four. Playoffs, I get it’s all about matchups and what we’re trying to do offensively, and, if that happens where they get, ‘we need you to play the five’, then that’s what it takes to win.

“But I’ll stress it to [Jason Kidd], they understand, and I’m putting my trust [in them]”

Judging by that final statement, it seems Head Coach Kidd plans to bend to Davis’ wish to play at the four. It’s probably the right move to keep their superstar happy, because if Davis hasn’t fully accepted the role in year 13, it’s not likely he ever will. 

Anthony Davis addresses weight concerns

Concerns about Davis’ playing shape emerged when he arrived at training camp. He’s gained 15 pounds since last summer with the Lakers. 

That could be a concern for the Mavericks, who traded away Doncic partly because of his difficulties staying in shape. But Davis, speaking to reporters, said it’s nothing to worry about.

He explained, “I feel good….I’m usually like 255, 258. I never want to come in at my playing weight because then I lose weight during the season and then I’m too small. I lose about 10 to 12 pounds very quickly.”

Davis weighed in at 268 lbs at training camp, so shedding 10 lbs at the start of the year should bring him back to last season’s playing weight. 

If he does remain overweight, then the Mavericks will have to answer some serious questions about the way they look after their players’ bodies.