Anthony Davis vs. International centers in NBA: How bad has Lakers’ star struggled against Sabonis, Jokic, and Embiid?

Davis was known for his defense when coming out of the University of Kentucky. But he worked on his offensive game while also growing bigger and stronger, to become one of the best. Being selected into the Top 75 players in NBA history also solidified his status as an elite superstar. However, it seems after the last game against the Sacramento Kings, the foreigners have an edge against the Los Angeles Lakers superstar.

Domantas Sabonis exposed Anthony Davis’ struggles against foreign centers

The Los Angeles Lakers game against the Sacramento Kings was a display of how a good all-round game can determine the end result. Domantas Sabonis entertained stat geeks with his triple-double outing. The sheer fact that Sabonis out-rebounded the Lakers big man despite having a weight as well as experience disadvantage was telling. He also used his playmaking ability as part of an all-round contribution to get that important victory in the playoff race.

Sabonis has helped his California-based team get the edge over their illustrious cross-state rivals since he was traded from the Indiana Pacers. His contributions to the winning record started with doing one better in the battle against Davis. Sabonis may not have the elite defensive skills of the Olympic Gold medalist, but his overall game has helped his team win games.

Sabonis has led his team in triple-doubles throughout this season. It speaks of his development into an all-round threat, despite being a center. The Lithuanian has used those qualities to have Davis’ number in the past 10 games they have previously met. The younger Sabonis has ensured Davis lost all of them. One has to wonder if this is one rare embarrassing record against International centers, the Chicago-born superstar has.

Nikola Jokic adds to the suggestion Davis struggles against non-American centers

Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis have squared off 32 times throughout their career. Both of these centers did not become instant stars when they entered the league. Just as Davis took time to develop his offensive arsenal, Jokic took time to develop into one of the best all-round centers in the history of the league. Jokic has a slight lead on Davis with an 18-14 record. It might seem that Davis is almost equal to Jokic, but the reality is different.

The stark difference between Davis and Jokic has been regarding performances in clutch situations. Jokic, has used his impossibly good touch on the ball to score at will. Davis, as good a shot blocker as he is, has not been able to stop Jokic. ‘The Joker’s’ ability to track his teammates and his court vision dealt a massive blow to the Lakers’ run to the Western Conference Finals last year. Jokic and his teammates dealt an embarrassing sweep to one of the most storied franchises in the league.

Since the start of last season, the Serbian big man has an 8-2 record against Davis. The two losses were during regular season games. Including the Western Finals, Davis has lost all of his matchups against the Denver Nuggets superstar. Last season’s NBA Finals MVP is also a two-time league MVP. It seems, Jokic has asserted himself as the better of the two since the past year.

Europeans might be beating him, but what about other Internationals

If there is a standard for the best international center in the NBA currently, it stops with Joel Embiid. The reigning league MVP has established himself as one of the premier big men in this era. Although currently out injured, Embiid’s elite scoring and defense have been top-notch. It now seems that Anthony Davis has not played well against the Philadelphia 76ers big man too.

Joel Embiid missed his first two seasons in the league after being drafted in 2014. Therefore, he played his first game against Davis in 2016. That was a 76ers franchise, rebuilding their team from the ground up as part of ‘the process’. Hence Embiid was essentially playing in his rookie season when he lost to Davis. In comparison, Davis was already the superstar on the New Orleans Pelicans team, who had just made the playoffs the year before.

Since that game, Joel Embiid has had the better of Davis. He has won seven straight matchups since that loss. This clearly shows that the Cameroonian has also gotten the better of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar. Although they have not met in the playoffs due to opposing conferences, it is not too difficult to guess how the end result would look.

All of these examples point to one common problem. Anthony Davis struggles against International big centers. Although he has a winning record against American big men, he has a losing record against almost all of the International centers in the NBA. It paints a picture of an inability to beat International big men.