/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65403612/1179267095.jpg.5.jpg)
Anthony Davis made his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers a memorable one, scoring 22 points on 56.3 percent shooting from the field and grabbing 10 rebounds through 18:25 in the first half against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.
After the team’s commanding 123-101 victory at the new Chase Center in San Fransisco, head coach Frank Vogel told Spectrum SportsNet that he thought Davis had a strong debut, but thinks it’s only the beginning for the 26-year-old forward:
“He’s a monster. It’s going to be very difficult to slow him down with what we have around him and I’m excited about what he’s going to do and Lakers fans should be too.”
LeBron James also complimentary of Davis, who he dished out three of his eight assists to on Saturday:
“Just his basketball intelligence — he’s very intelligent out on the floor. He know exactly where he wants to get on the floor. His ability to rebound and block shots as well. He’s a very efficient player.”
James and Davis connected on a few buckets out of the pick and roll, something Davis told reporters he expects to see plenty more of as the season goes on because of how versatile James is.
There are still a few things that need to be ironed out with the roster — as is to be expected with a new team and a new head coach — but James seems to already know how to get the best out of Davis. As they continue to feed off of each other and the players around them settle into their roles, they’re going to be a tough team to beat.
For more Lakers talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. You can follow this author on Twitter at @RadRivas.