Lakers’ Anthony Davis Mentioned Twice In ESPN’s Awards Predictions

The Los Angeles Lakers gave Anthony Davis a huge contract extension this offseason. It was a big award for the big man and analysts believe that Davis will actually win a lot of awards next season. He is in the run for MVP and he can also be the next Defensive Player of the Year.

ESPN created a long list of predictions about NBA awards in the 2023-24 season. Davis was mentioned twice. When it comes to the MVP race, AD was ranked 10^th. Nikola Jokic is on the top of the list, followed by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and Joel Embiid. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards, and Kawhi Leonard all come ahead of Davis.

ESPN's Top-10 candidates for MVPhttps://t.co/yrjygGyL5D pic.twitter.com/Ben1sWdyZA

— Josh Buckhalter (@JoshGBuck) August 22, 2023

The Lakers big man averaged 25.9 points on 62.7% shooting with 12.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists in the 2022-23 NBA season. He reached the top in shooting and rebounds last season.

Hall of Fame Kevin Garnett discussed his expectations for Davis on Ticket & The Truth, suggesting that AD will grab the MVP award.

“I’m expecting Anthony Davis to win MVP in these next two years or so, real s***,” Garnett said on the August 14 episode of the podcast. “If not this year, definitely next year, straight up.”

The Lakers could help the Lakers win MVP and DPOY

Davis ranks sixth in the Defensive Player of the Year predictions. Jaren Jackson Jr. is on the top, followed by Bam Adebayo, Antetokounmpo, Evan Mobley, Marcus Smart, Mikal Bridges, and Mikal Bridges. Draymond Green, Brook Lopez, Jaden McDaniels, and Robert Williams III come right after Davis.

ESPN's top-10 DPOY candidateshttps://t.co/yrjygGyL5D pic.twitter.com/9vvEZcVPbQ

— Josh Buckhalter (@JoshGBuck) August 22, 2023

Davis missed a lot of time due to injuries in the last few years, but won a title in his first year with the Lakers. He is also a four-time All-NBA pick, a four-time All-Defensive selection, and three-time blocks leader. He has yet to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Is there any chance for AD to win both MVP and DPOY awards? Antetokounmpo, Michael Jordan, and Hakeem Olajuwon have already won these two awards in the same season. AD has the dominance to do the same.