Stephen A. Smith isn’t very keen on Anthony Davis playing alongside LeBron James for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As several basketball fans might know by now, Team USA was recently eliminated 2023 FIBA World Cup by Team Germany. Moreover, they weren’t even able to secure third place since they lost to Team Canada.
Since LeBron is on the back end of his career, many members of the NBA community believe that he will be representing Team USA in the Olympics next year. Some have even opined that Team USA should consider taking Anthony Davis instead of Jaren Jackson Jr.
Although AD has proven himself more than JJJ, Stephen A. opined that AD playing for Team USA shouldn’t even be a priority. With that being said, let us take a closer look and find out more.
Stephen A. Smith wants Anthony Davis to show up for LeBron James and the Lakers
While Anthony Davis undoubtedly has the talent and potential to be the best big man on Team USA, fans will be aware that his injury status and health have deteriorated steadily in recent times. Due to the fact that he keeps getting injured, his incredible skill and ability are usually overlooked.
Since AD has missed more than 150 games during his tenure as a Laker, Stephen A. opined that AD should be more focused on helping LeBron and the Lakers instead of joining Team USA, “I don’t want to hear nothing about no damn Anthony Davis representing Team USA… I need to make sure he’s going to show up for Lakers games.”
Stephen A. Smith:
“I don’t want to hear nothing about no damn Anthony Davis representing Team USA… I need to make sure he’s going to show up for Lakers games.”
(via @FirstTake, h/t @ClutchPoints) pic.twitter.com/UkULSmZX6e
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 11, 2023
Although Stephen A. Smith is known for having controversial takes at times, there is hardly any way for fans to disagree with him on this one. AD playing international basketball in the offseason can occur only if he has remained healthy throughout the regular and postseason. Otherwise, he should be more focused on his health and availability for the Lakers before letting his feelings of nationality take over.
In Davis’ defense, he is yet to publicly declare that he wants to play for Team USA next year. All of the hype surrounding him joining the team was created by other members of the basketball community and media. In any case, we look forward to seeing what he is capable of doing next season.
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