LeBron James praises Anthony Davis: 'He's the best defensive player in the league' / News - Basketnews.com

LeBron James stressed Anthony Davis' rim-protecting skills after the Lakers beat the Warriors to make it 3-1 in the Western Conference semifinals.

Credit: USA TODAY Sports – Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports – Scanpix

LeBron James was crucial in the Los Angeles Lakers' Game 4 win (104-101) over the reigning champs Golden State Warriors for the Western Conference semifinals on Monday, dropping 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists on 40% shooting.

Player of the Game EFF 31 Anthony Davis Points 23 Accuracy 10-16 Rebounds 15 Assists 2

But it was Anthony Davis who shined, especially on defense where he made his impact most known.

In 43 minutes, Davis put up 23 points and 15 rebounds to go along with his amazing work defensively -- most notably his defense on Steph Curry in the Warriors' possession that could have changed the game's course.

After the buzzer, LeBron James was full of praise for his teammate and had no doubt about Davis' defensive prowess.

"He's the best defensive player in the league. I think the league knows it as well. There are not many guys that can protect the rim at all costs and also switch out on point guards, switch out on guys like Steph, who's a hell of a player and had a hell of game," James said.

"I think he even had a triple-double. But we trust AD guarding anybody in this league and he showed that."

Davis accepted the toughest defensive assignments, including down the stretch of the game against Stephen Curry himself. Unsurprisingly, AD held his own and it's that defensive edge that appears to be giving the Lakers the upper hand in this series,

Even if the Lakers end up getting past the Warriors, however, the path doesn't get any easier for them and LeBron wants his teammates to know that.

"Just don’t get comfortable," James said after Game 3. "We don’t have the luxury to get comfortable versus a Golden State team. As long as we stay uncomfortable knowing that they can run off three straight versus us or whatever they want to if we get comfortable.

So, it’s about maintaining our habits, understanding that this team is very dangerous, and never get comfortable when you hit the floor with these guys."

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