Much has been said about the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Award for the 2024 season. The award has essentially turned into a two-player race between Rudy Gobert and rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama.
However, one unanticipated remark has shaken the NBA community this week, with Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis calling out the league, claiming he has been excluded unfairly from the DPOY Award race.
Anthony Davis, a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers, recently expressed his disappointment about his omission from potential DPOY Award contenders.
The 31-year-old, four-time NBA All-Defensive Team member and three-time blocks champion, dared to say he would “never get” the award.
“I’ll never get it. The league doesn’t like me. I’m the best defensive player in the league. I can switch 1 through 5. I can guard the pick-and-roll the best in the league, from a big standpoint. I block shots. I rebound.”
"I'll never get it. The league doesn't like me. I'm the best defensive player in the league. I can switch 1 through 5. I can guard the pick-and-roll the best in the league, from a big standpoint. I block shots. I rebound.”
– AD on the DPOY
(h/t @LADEig ) pic.twitter.com/R3dXYv6N4B
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 22, 2024
Davis began his professional journey with the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) before making his move to the Lakers for the 2019-2020 season.
Throughout his career, he has proved himself as a significant force on defense. His statistics speak for themselves.
Over the years, the Kentucky alum’s defensive contributions have been immense. The NBA recently revealed the three finalists for the DPOY Award.
The candidates include the impressive Rudy Gobert, ambitious rookie Victor Wembanyama, and the dynamic Bam Adebayo.
Gobert, the likely winner, would be gathering his third such accolade if victorious.
