The word “promise” is frequently mentioned around the Los Angeles Lakers (12-8), particularly in discussions about rookie Dalton Knecht, role player Max Christie, or their new head coach JJ Redick. However, there’s no mistaking the team’s primary objective for the 2024-25 season: securing the franchise’s 18th NBA championship. Leading the charge are the superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
In the Lakers’ 2020 championship run, James earned Finals MVP honors, but for the team to capture another title, Davis will likely need to take center stage. Fully aware of his role as the “hub of the offense,” Davis knows exactly what is expected of him to help the Lakers reach their full potential.
Still, Davis isn’t tackling this challenge alone. He’s counting on the mutual hunger he shares with James to propel the Lakers to the summit. A strong regular season showing will undoubtedly ease the path toward satisfying that drive when playoff time arrives.
For James, it’s been nearly nine years since his last championship parade. Davis, meanwhile, is still chasing the unparalleled thrill of such a celebration. He’s also well aware of the “Mickey Mouse ring” narrative that some attach to the Lakers’ 2020 bubble championship—a label that the city’s MLB team dispelled with their 2024 World Series triumph.
Though Davis is already a lock for the Hall of Fame, leading a team to a title as its undisputed cornerstone would elevate him into a rarefied class of NBA greats. His current performance reflects that potential: he’s averaging 28.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 37.5% from three-point range and anchoring the defense. Now, it’s up to Davis and James to ensure the entire Lakers squad is firing on all cylinders.
Davis played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday, but the team has struggled lately, losing four of their last six games. Achieving consistent excellence is crucial for both Davis and the Lakers.
They’ll take another step toward their ultimate goal by facing the Minnesota Timberwolves (9-10) on the road Monday night. The game tips off at 8 p.m. ET.
