The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies after a hard fought battle on the road. Unfortunately, Kobe Bryant and company won’t have much time to rest before getting right back to work on Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second game of a back-to-back.
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With the Lakers set to face the Pelicans, the team will focus on containing legitimate MVP candidate, Anthony Davis. The Kentucky product came out of the gate firing on all cylinders this season and will look to keep it going against the visiting Lakers.
After the loss to the Grizzlies, Kobe spoke to the media in the locker room and was asked about his former Team USA teammate. Bryant praised Davis for his play and seems to be looking forward to facing the versatile center, via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Kobe on facing NOP & Anthony Davis tomorrow: "AD's outrageous. It's going to be fun to see it up close." (on TWC)
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 12, 2014
Kobe went as far as to say Davis reminds him of a more athletic version of a certain former teammate, via Winters:
Kobe Bryant just called Anthony Davis an "athletic Pau Gasol."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 12, 2014
Davis’ numbers heading into the matchup with the Lakers are off the charts. The 21-year-old center is currently leading the NBA in rebounding (13.0) and blocked shots (4.2). Davis is also putting up the solid offensive numbers with 24.8 points per game while also being among the league leaders in steals with 2.5 per contest (5th in the NBA).
Needless to say, Davis will be head coach Byron Scott’s main concern on Wednesday. Jordan Hill, Ed Davis and Carlos Boozer will have their work cut out for them facing arguably the best all-around player in the league this season.
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