LeBron James can’t wait for Anthony Davis to be “unleashed” after an injury-riddled season that ended in the Lakers missing the playoffs.
The Lakers star took to Instagram Thursday to seemingly defend his teammate against naysayers, writing, “Get It Twisted if you want too! I’m due time he’ll remind you once again why he’s HIM!!! And I can’t wait for it to be unleashed! 😤😤😤〰️.”
James’ message included a highlight of Davis throughout his Lakers tenure that featured monster dunks, big blocks, and step-back jumpers by the big man — including footage from the 2020 NBA Finals when the duo led the Lakers to a championship.
Former NFL receiver Terrell Owens took to the comments section to write that “[Davis] got complacent” and that James “can only do so much.”
James’ post came after Davis revealed in a social media video on Sunday that he hasn’t picked up a basketball in two months.
“I haven’t shot a basketball since, maybe, April 5,” Davis said in a viral clip, while hanging out with Nuke Squad, a gaming YouTube channel.
Davis previously said his typical workout routine involves 10 weeks without basketball, followed by six weeks of basketball before attending training camp.
Davis — who averaged 23.2 points and 9.9 rebounds — failed to make the All-Star game for the first time since his rookie year in 2013.
The Lakers big man played a total 40 games this past season and struggled to stay healthy. Davis was sidelined with knee, ankle, and foot injuries in the 2021-22 season.
Darvin Ham, the Lakers’ new head coach, believes in Davis, but said “we need consistency” out of the center.
“His skill set, size, versatility, defensive acumen, his relentlessness. His ability to give multiple efforts defensively is key,” Ham said.
After the Lakers went 33-49 last season, James and Co. will need a fully healthy Davis to get Los Angeles back to the post season.