Anthony Davis is special.
In a league full of physically gifted giants, Davis brings added athleticism that rises to the top of the pool. Twenty-one years into his life, Davis is already into his third year in the NBA and leading the league in rebounds, 13.2, and blocks, 4.2, per game.
Offensively, the man who proudly wears his uni-brow continues to improve with each passing season. In his rookie season, Davis averaged 13.5 points per game. That number increased to 20.8 points per game in his sophomore season. Six games into his third season, Davis currently ranks fourth in the NBA with 24.8 points per game (tied with LeBron James).
Remarkably, Davis has been able to make these dramatic scoring improvements without wavering his field goal percentage. Davis shot 52 percent from the field in each of his first two seasons. In his third season, the most prized Pelican continues to shoot 52 percent despite shooting more often.
On Wednesday, the LA Lakers come to visit Davis and the Pelicans. Kobe Bryant scored 28 points in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Bryant leads the NBA in scoring with 26.7 points per game, and on Wednesday, the league's top scorer comes up against the NBA's next big star.
Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Lakers are desperate to get their second win of the season and their first win on the road. With San Antonio waiting in Los Angeles on Friday and Golden State coming to Staples Center on Sunday, the early schedule for the Lakers does not bear many gifts.
Looking at the next three games, Wednesday night in New Orleans may well be the most winnable in the set.
Game Notes: The Lakers are still without Wayne Ellington, who was provided an indefinite leave after his father was shot and killed in Philadelphia on Sunday night. Nick Young (thumb) is back shooting but has not had any contact. Ryan Kelly, who missed the start of the season and training camp with hamstring issues, missed the last two games due to a tight hamstring. The Lakers continue to be cautious with the second-year player in the hopes to avoid another tear.
