LeBron James, in his ongoing quest for hoops immortality, produced another breathtaking moment Tuesday night, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most points in NBA history. It was an emotional night for all involved, celebrating a long-standing record many thought would never be broken. While Crypto.com Arena marveled at LeBron’s latest accomplishment, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats, Anthony Davis appeared wholly uninterested, remaining seated as teammates rose to their feet in acknowledgment of James’ legendary feat.
Davis’ body language, giving off boredom and perhaps even a tinge of resentment as the basketball world fawned over James’ milestone, struck many as odd, fueling speculation about his future in Los Angeles, particularly with the trade deadline just days away. Davis, who has been in and out of the lineup with injuries all season, gave one of his worst performances of the year, barely registering with 13 points, four fouls and two turnovers over 31 listless minutes in the losing effort. Seeming unusually distracted, Davis was similarly doom-and-gloom in his post-game press conference, looking like a player who would rather be anywhere but in front of a microphone.
TNT captured an uncomfortable exchange between James and Davis on the Lakers’ bench, with LeBron, all smiles after his coronation as the NBA’s all-time scoring king, showing love for his stoic teammate. That sentiment would fall on deaf ears with Davis mostly avoiding eye contact, looking eager for James to leave him alone.
Whether it’s jealousy, fatigue from the media circus that has followed James for the better part of a month or mounting frustration over the Lakers’ continued struggles, AD looked downright miserable, polluting a joyous moment in LeBron’s life and career with bad vibes. Davis is undoubtedly a Hall-of-Fame talent who will surely go down as one of the most decorated power forwards, not just of his era, but of all time. But his chronic sulking (a trait Pelicans fans are all too familiar with), turning James’ crowning achievement into his own personal pity party, won't do him any favors in the court of public opinion, portraying the image of a selfish malcontent who can’t stand being Robin to LeBron’s Batman.
Related
Related
LISTEN NOW on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram