Anthony Davis explains how LeBron James being such a special passer has helped Lakers build chemistry

For the first time in his illustrious 17-year career, LeBron James is on pace to lead the league in assists with 11 assists per game. The last time the Los Angeles Lakers had someone on their roster that led the league in assists was Magic Johnson during the 1986-87 season.

James has always been an extraordinary passer, but this season he’s been on an entirely different level thanks in no small part to Anthony Davis, who’s been on the receiving end of 52 of James’ 187 assists this season. The player who’s received the second-most of James’ assists is Danny Green with 25.

After practice last week, Davis said that James’ passing makes players enjoy sharing the court with him and, in turn, has helped the team build chemistry early on.

“He’s a great late passer,” Davis said. “When you think he’s going to finish, he’s passing the ball to an open man. He had one in the game the other day where we were probably two feet from each other and he threw like an 80-mile-per-hour fastball through my hands that I missed. So you’ve just always got to expect a pass from him until he actually shoots the ball. That’s what makes him so good. He gets into the paint with ease, and he’s still able to find guys.”

“Anytime you’ve got a guy like him who’s selfless and wants to make guys better around him, the chemistry for the entire team is going to be easier. Playing with a guy like LeBron has been nothing but great.”

James’ unreal passing ability takes some getting used to for some players, but this team has adjusted to it pretty quickly, probably because most of them have spent years watching James pick apart their respective teams with his passing.

As long as James’ teammates are looking for the ball while they’re on the floor, they’ll get fed and as long as they’re getting fed, everyone on the team should be happy — especially if the Lakers keep winning at the rate they currently are.

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