Davis puts the Nuggets on notice after WCF loss

Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Davis puts the Nuggets on notice after Western Conference Finals loss

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 10/2/23

The Los Angeles Lakers fell short in their quest for a championship last season. The Denver Nuggets brutally dispatched L.A. in the Western Conference Finals. Rob Pelinka has rebuilt the Lakers rotation this summer.

During Monday's media day appearance, Anthony Davis shared his eagerness to face off against the Nuggets next season. The All-Star forward shared that he and LeBron James want to produce a statement performance.

"It was just a lot of talking," Davis said. "There was just so much of that going on. Like, 'we get it, y'all won.' But, me and Bron had some conversations, we can't wait [to play them.]"

Anthony Davis has a message for the Denver Nuggets

“It was just a lot of talking. We get it, y’all won, but me and Bron had some conversations... we can’t wait [to play them].”

(h/t @LADEig )

pic.twitter.com/pu2nrVJKzn
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 2, 2023

Davis had a tough season when facing the Nuggets. Not only did he lose to them in the playoffs, but he also suffered a foot injury when playing against them in December 2022. That injury halted his momentum after producing MVP-like production to begin the season.

Given LeBron's age and the foot injury he was dealing with last season, Davis will be expected to step up as the Lakers' primary offensive option. Davis revealed that he's been working on his jump shooting ahead of the new season during his media availability.

With a new bench rotation, Davis and LeBron will be shouldering significant expectations. The star duo have struggled to bring sustained success to the Lakers. With LeBron potentially entering his finals season, the Lakers will hope to give him a fairytale exit from the league.

However, the Nuggets aren't going away anytime soon. Nikola Jokic remains the best player in the world. The Lakers will need to tap into their pride and the experience within their roster if they wish to stand a chance of dethroning the reigning champions.

Most importantly, Davis must emerge as a top-3 forward in the NBA. Only then will the Lakers be capable of overcoming a talented Nuggets team.

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