LeBron says Anthony Davis "Doesn't Compare to Anybody"
Anthony Davis' red hot play is earning him respect across the NBA, including in Cleveland where his former Team USA teammate and mentor LeBron James is trying to build a new basketball dynasty.
The reigning king of the NBA had the highest words of praise for one of the league's brightest upcoming stars.
"He is one of the game's elite players right now, for sure," James said before the Cavaliers game against the Pelicans tipped off Monday night. "You look at his numbers, points, blocks and steals. If he continues to stay healthy and grow like he's been doing, he can be a super star in this league for sure."
Right now, Davis is in some exclusive company. He's one of just 3 players since 1985 to start a season with at least 120 points, 20 blocks and 10 steals in the first five games. The other two men to achieve such a feat: Hakeem Olajuwon (1986-87) and David Robinson (1992-93).
James, however, is quick to caution analysts not to try and relate Davis to anyone else who has previously played the game.
"He doesn't compare to anybody," James said. "Early on, they said Marcus Camby, but Marcus Camby can't score like AD can. He doesn't compare to nobody."
Kevin Love remembers Davis' play from the Olympic Games back in 2012, when Davis was just 19 and had yet to play in the NBA. Even back then, Love says he knew Davis was going to be special.
"I said then that it was only going to take a couple of years before he is a real problem for this league, and he is showing that right now," Love said. "His work ethic is really right up there with some of the best. I got to see it when he was just 19 and just growing into his body."
Since then, Davis has added about 20 pounds of muscle and a large dose of institutional knowledge to his repertoire.
"He is a freak athlete that has one of those bodies for a 5 man, or whatever position he is going to try and play. He's going to be a problem. He just continues to get better, and I am not surprised."
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