The Los Angeles Lakers (41-12) have a four-game lead over the Denver Nuggets (38-17) for the top spot in the Western Conference, and it’s no secret why.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been, as expected, a lethal combination.
“LeBron and AD are living up to the hype as the best 1-2 punch in the game,” two-time NBA champion Mychal Thompson said on The Zach Gelb Show. “Anytime you pair two great players who understand how to play the game the right way, they’re going to click as soon as they hit the floor. It worked in Golden State. It worked with Shaq and Kobe, even though they seemed to be fire and oil sometimes. These guys, they just know how to play the game. They enjoy playing together. When you have that kind of talent and appreciation and respect for each other, it’s going to click right away.”
Davis is averaging 26.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, while James is averaging 25.0 points, 10.8 assists and 7.8 rebounds.
Thompson believes Davis will stay in Los Angeles long-term.
“Why would you want to leave paradise?” Thompson said. “It’s nirvana here. If you play for the Lakers, you’re playing for the best organization maybe in all of pro sports – definitely in basketball. He’s had a perfect situation here. Don’t overthink things. Sometimes things are just fine the way they are. Be satisfied with that.”
Frank Vogel, meanwhile, has also done an excellent job in his first season with the Lakers.
“He’s ego-less, and that’s how you have to be,” Thompson said. “When you have a legendary player like LeBron who’s been there, done that, so many times, don’t let your ego get in the way of listening to your players. He’s got a bunch of veterans on this team who are playing at a high level. He’s willing to listen to what those guys have to say, listen to their input and suggestions.”