In an interview with ESPN’s senior insider Shams Charania, Anthony Davis spoke openly about his and LeBron James’ shared drive to win another championship. Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers’ star forward, touched on their motivations and how the lingering comparison between LeBron James and Michael Jordan fuels their hunger for more titles.
"One, we want to win it for the city. Two, we never got a parade. Three, It's a lot of talk about the asterisk next to the championship which I believe, was probably the toughest Championship to win but we just think it's time."
"We feel like we're right there as far as the team and everything like that but like him and I are like very, very motivated to win another championship. I mean that's what you play for every time you go into a season, it's not like it's just something that's talked about or something just said just because you say it."
"We really want to win. I don't want to leave this game with one championship, I'm pretty sure the whole debate, I know it's in his head we never talked about it. I know it's in his head with Mike four and six, I know it's in his head. I'm pretty sure he wants more, I know he wants more. I know he wants more."
"Obviously you know the Lakers trying to catch back up to Boston, they have 18 we got 17, like all these things matter and I know us two for sure and not saying our other guys aren't at all or our organization isn't like but Bron and I are like for sure motivated to win another championship."
Davis began by reflecting on the Lakers’ 2020 NBA Championship, which was won during the bubble season amid unprecedented challenges. He dismissed the narrative that their victory carried an asterisk, stating that it was one of the most difficult championships to win. "
The desire to silence critics and validate their place in Lakers history has only intensified their focus. Davis emphasized that the duo isn’t just playing for accolades—they’re playing to win.
While Davis is determined not to leave the game with just one championship, he revealed that LeBron’s motivation goes beyond personal accolades—it’s about legacy.
For LeBron, winning more championships not only adds to his resume but also fuels the ongoing conversation about his place among the game’s greatest players. Davis noted that while they don’t explicitly discuss this, he is confident that catching up to Jordan’s six titles is something LeBron considers.
Beyond individual legacies, Davis highlighted the Lakers’ organizational goals. With 17 championships, the Lakers are second behind the Boston Celtics for the most in NBA history. The opportunity to tie Boston as the most decorated franchise is another motivating factor for the Lakers' superstars.
Davis doubled down on his desire for the Lakers to acquire a traditional center, a move he believes will make the team more competitive. His insistence aligns with LeBron’s call for the Lakers’ front office to make moves that put them in a better position to contend. As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers are actively exploring options to strengthen their roster and meet the championship aspirations of their superstars.
With LeBron James eyeing Michael Jordan’s six titles and Anthony Davis striving to cement his legacy, the duo is laser-focused on adding another championship to their collection. Their determination, coupled with the Lakers’ push for roster upgrades, sets the stage for a compelling second half of the season. For LeBron, Davis, and the Lakers, the mission is clear: win now and solidify their place in basketball history.
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