Anthony Davis Calls Out Lakers Over Center Role And Weight Gain
Entering his first full season with the Washington Wizards, 33-year-old center Anthony Davis called out the Los Angeles Lakers over an unwanted role change that forced him to play full-time center and add significant weight, while sending a warning to the rest of the NBA as he prepares to return to power forward.
Anthony Davis Calls Out the Los Angeles Lakers Over Role and Weight Changes
During his six-year run with the Lakers, which yielded one championship in his first season with the franchise, Davis averaged 24.8 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per contest. However, speaking on the Numbers on the Board Podcast, Davis revealed that the team forced him into a full-time center role and demanded he add significant weight to defend heavier centers like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.
Davis stated that his playing weight climbed from his usual 250 to 255 pounds up to 265 or even 268 pounds. He admitted that he disliked the physical burden, noting that he felt heavy and could not play his natural game while carrying the extra mass. According to Davis, he requested another big man to share the load during those seasons, but the roster adjustment did not happen.
Over the last couple of seasons, injuries limited Davis’s floor time.
The Washington Wizards Outlook and Return to Power Forward
Davis expressed excitement about returning to his original position at power forward, playing alongside centers Alex Sarr and Deandre Ayton. He explained that operating alongside another big man creates a completely different and advantageous dynamic for his style of play.
“People forgot, and I take that personally… I’m on some sh*t this year,” Davis said on the Numbers on the Board Podcast regarding his motivation entering the new campaign.
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