Full homage to Anthony Davis as the Los Angeles Lakers make their comeback to Crypto Arena

As the Los Angeles Lakers made their highly anticipated return to Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as the Staples Center), a wave of nostalgia and excitement rippled through the city. It wasn’t just about the grand spectacle of the Lakers playing in their home arena; it was about celebrating the players who had shaped the Lakers’ legacy and continued to drive them toward greatness. Among these players, one name stood out above all—Anthony Davis. As the Lakers marked their comeback to the iconic venue, it seemed only fitting to dedicate the moment to Davis, a player whose journey has been intertwined with the Lakers’ success, struggles, and hopes for the future.

Since joining the Lakers in 2019 through a blockbuster trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, Anthony Davis has been a key figure in the franchise’s resurgence. The centerpiece of the Lakers’ defensive efforts and a versatile offensive weapon, Davis has earned his place as one of the league’s premier big men. His arrival in Los Angeles coincided with the Lakers’ championship aspirations, and in 2020, he delivered on those expectations by helping the team secure its 17th NBA title, cementing his place in the storied franchise’s history. But Davis’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and the growing expectations for him to carry the Lakers to more championships have created an ever-present pressure on his shoulders. Yet, it is precisely his resilience, dedication, and leadership on the court that have made Davis an integral part of the Lakers’ identity.

As the Lakers returned to Crypto.com Arena, it was clear that this game wasn’t just about the team’s return home—it was about honoring Anthony Davis’s journey, his commitment to the Lakers, and the role he continues to play in the team’s pursuit of another championship. Let’s take a deeper look at Davis’s evolution with the Lakers, the impact he has had on the franchise, and why he deserves full homage as the team re-enters their home court.

The Arrival of Anthony Davis: A New Era for the Lakers

The trade that brought Anthony Davis to Los Angeles was one of the most significant in recent NBA history. In exchange for Davis, the Lakers sent multiple players, including Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart, to New Orleans, along with a collection of future draft picks. The move was met with mixed reactions. On one hand, the Lakers were acquiring a top-five player, a defensive juggernaut, and a player with the potential to form a dominant duo alongside LeBron James. On the other hand, the trade left the team without much depth, and there was uncertainty about how quickly the Lakers could find success.

Despite the initial risks, the gamble paid off. From the very start, Davis made his presence felt on the court, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. His ability to protect the rim, dominate in the post, and stretch the floor with his mid-range shooting made him a perfect complement to LeBron James. Together, they formed one of the most formidable duos in the NBA. But what truly defined Davis’s first year with the Lakers was his defensive prowess. His rim protection and ability to guard multiple positions made the Lakers one of the most dominant defensive teams in the league.

Davis’s arrival coincided with the Lakers’ championship run in 2020, and his performance in the postseason solidified his place as one of the NBA’s elite talents. His two-way play in the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat was a key factor in the Lakers’ success, and his ability to take over games in crucial moments elevated him to superstar status. Davis was named to the All-NBA First Team, cementing his place as one of the top players in the league.

The 2020 Championship: A Legacy Cemented

The 2020 NBA Championship was a defining moment for Anthony Davis and the Lakers. After nearly a decade of championship drought, the team was able to capture its 17th title in franchise history, tying them with the Boston Celtics for the most championships in NBA history. For Davis, the victory was especially sweet. It not only validated his decision to join the Lakers but also confirmed that he had achieved the ultimate goal in his basketball career.

In the Finals, Davis was a force on both ends of the floor, averaging 25 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. His defensive presence, in particular, was invaluable as he anchored the Lakers’ defense throughout the series. Whether it was blocking shots, grabbing key rebounds, or disrupting the Heat’s offense, Davis was everywhere. His performance in the Finals solidified his reputation as one of the best two-way players in the NBA.

Yet, it wasn’t just his individual performance that made the championship so meaningful—it was the way he meshed with LeBron James. Davis’s arrival in Los Angeles gave the Lakers a legitimate second star, something they hadn’t had since Kobe Bryant’s last championship run. Together, LeBron and Davis formed a perfect balance of experience, leadership, and skill. LeBron’s court vision and playmaking ability complemented Davis’s scoring and rebounding, while their defensive cohesion created a near-impenetrable barrier for opposing teams.

The 2020 title was a career-defining moment for Davis. It solidified his place as a top-tier player in the league and gave him a piece of NBA history. However, Davis’s journey with the Lakers would be far from smooth sailing.

Challenges and Setbacks: The Struggles and Injuries

After the championship run, the road became bumpier for Davis. Injuries began to plague him, and the subsequent seasons saw him struggle with maintaining his health and consistency. Whether it was a calf injury that kept him sidelined in the 2021 playoffs or the various other ailments that limited his time on the court, Davis’s injuries created significant challenges for the Lakers.

In the 2021-22 season, the Lakers faced an uphill battle. LeBron James was still playing at an elite level, but the team lacked the necessary depth and consistency. Davis’s struggles to stay healthy only intensified the pressure on the team. The Lakers were eventually eliminated from the playoffs, and the following season also saw their playoff hopes dashed due to injuries and a lack of cohesion. The pressure on Davis to perform consistently and stay healthy grew, and there were plenty of questions about his long-term future with the team.

Despite these setbacks, Davis remained a key figure for the Lakers. His presence in the paint, his scoring ability, and his defensive impact continued to make him one of the best players in the league when healthy. The franchise knew that their title hopes would always depend on Davis’s ability to stay on the floor and play at a high level. Even during the most challenging of times, the Lakers’ future still rested on the broad shoulders of Anthony Davis.

The Return to Crypto.com Arena: A Time to Honor Davis

As the Lakers made their return to Crypto.com Arena, it became clear that this was more than just a typical home game. This was a moment to celebrate and reflect on the players who had shaped the franchise’s legacy. While LeBron James is often the face of the Lakers’ resurgence, it is impossible to overlook the role that Anthony Davis has played in the team’s success, especially since his arrival in 2019.

Davis has been the backbone of the Lakers’ defense, and his performances in crucial moments have earned him a place as one of the most important figures in recent Lakers history. Even when faced with challenges, Davis has maintained a level of commitment and work ethic that resonates with fans, teammates, and the coaching staff alike. His ability to adapt to the team’s needs, whether as a scorer, rebounder, or defender, has made him an irreplaceable asset for the Lakers.

As the Lakers returned to their home court, it was only fitting that they paid homage to Davis. The energy in the arena was palpable, as fans greeted the team’s return with enthusiasm and excitement. The presence of Davis in the starting lineup felt like a culmination of everything the Lakers had gone through—championship highs, injury lows, and the constant push to return to greatness.

The Future of Anthony Davis with the Lakers

As the Lakers look ahead to the future, Anthony Davis’s role in the team’s success will continue to be crucial. While the team still has LeBron James leading the charge, Davis’s ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level will determine how far the Lakers can go in the coming seasons. His growth as a leader, both on and off the court, will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s identity and aspirations.

The 2025-2026 season represents a critical point in Davis’s career with the Lakers. As the team looks to contend for championships, Davis’s health and consistency will be key to their success. With the support of LeBron James and a revamped roster, Davis has the opportunity to solidify his place as one of the all-time greats in Lakers history.

 A Legacy Cemented

As the Los Angeles Lakers made their comeback to Crypto.com Arena, the homage paid to Anthony Davis was well deserved. From his impactful arrival in 2019 to his championship performance in 2020, Davis has been a vital part of the Lakers’ resurgence. Despite the challenges and setbacks he has faced along the way, Davis’s talent, resilience, and leadership have made him an irreplaceable figure in the team’s pursuit of future success.

With a new era dawning for the Lakers, Anthony Davis remains at the heart of the franchise’s ambitions. As the team continues to strive for excellence, there’s no doubt that Davis’s journey will continue to shape the course of Lakers history. His comeback story, full of challenges and triumphs, has already cemented his legacy as one of the most important players in recent NBA history—and as the Lakers make their return to their iconic home, Davis will undoubtedly be at the forefront of the team’s efforts to reclaim their place atop the league.