DeMarcus Cousins believes that LeBron James plays a significant role in why Anthony Davis receives a lot of criticism.
Former NBA All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins recently delved into his thoughts on the criticisms aimed at his former teammate Anthony Davis. Despite Davis’s solid performance for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2023-24 season, averaging 24.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game with a field goal percentage of 55.4%, he still faces scrutiny, particularly regarding his past injury history.
Cousins suggests that Davis’s association with the Lakers and his partnership with LeBron James, an iconic figure in basketball, contribute significantly to the criticism directed at him. According to Cousins, being part of a team with LeBron means that blame tends to be attributed to other players before it reaches LeBron, given his stature in the game. Additionally, the Lakers’ demanding fan base adds pressure for excellence, a sentiment echoed by former Lakers player Lou Williams, who emphasized the contrast between expectations for the Lakers versus other teams like the Clippers.
Cousins underscores the championship expectations ingrained in the Lakers’ culture, especially with LeBron on the roster, stating that even impressive individual performances may not suffice if the team falls short of a championship. He suggests that Davis’s reserved demeanor might make him an easier target for criticism, as quieter personalities may be perceived as more vulnerable.
Despite the criticisms, Davis has demonstrated his capability, notably during the Lakers’ 2019-20 championship run, where he played a pivotal role, including a memorable game-winning shot in the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets.
