Los Angeles Lakers great James Worthy thinks that Anthony Davis’s 2023–24 season is the best of his career.  

“This is the best season I’ve ever seen AD have in his career,” remarked Worthy.

Davis had a career day against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, finishing with 22 points, 13 boards, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 6 blocks. Worthy made the observation following the game. Playing well on both sides of the court has been a theme for the 31-year-old all season, and his performance against the Cavaliers was no exception.

Averaging 24.7 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game, Davis is currently having a stellar season. I think a significant reason for the nine-time All-Star’s great play this season is that he has been reasonably healthy, playing in 73 of 78 games.

I disagree with Worthy that this is Davis’ finest season to date. In my opinion, nothing beats his 2017–18 season with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Back then, a game for Davis would include 28.1 points, 11.1 boards, 2.3 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.6 blocks. When it came time to vote for MVP and DPOY, he came in third. Both the NBA All-Defensive Team and the All-NBA First Team were Davis’s honors that season.

Davis has been excellent this season, but I still think he was a better player for the Pelicans when he was with them. Some thought he may become the greatest player in the NBA after that campaign and the 2019–20 season. Although Davis has not yet achieved such levels of success, he has been performing at a very high level.

When LeBron James was not an option, James Worthy thought Anthony Davis would step up. 

A huge demonstration of faith in Davis was the three-year, $186 million agreement he inked with the Lakers before the season began. Despite skepticism, Worthy supported Davis as the Lakers’ next leader in LeBron James’ absence.

James Worthy, a superstar with the Lakers, stated, “We know LeBron is not gonna be around that much longer.” That’s why it’s great to have AD on the team; he’s a go-getter and, in my opinion, the best player in the league right now. We all know LeBron will do LeBron’s thing, but now that he’s out of the picture, I believe AD is the man and that he’ll rise to the challenge.

Without a doubt, Davis has proven that Worthy was correct in his belief in him. A lot of people were critical of the big man before this season because of his erratic play and his inability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In spite of LeBron’s advancing years, his older teammate was still expected to lead the squad, despite Davis’s best efforts.

This season, things have changed for the better. Despite James’ continued dominance, the Lakers’ most valuable player is unquestionably Davis, thanks to his impact on both ends of the floor. He has been instrumental in the team’s recent turnaround, which has resulted in a 45–33 record and eighth seed in the Western Conference.