Anthony Davis has played his entire career in the Western Conference, so he has only had one visit to his hometown each season.
That could change this season with Chicago playing host to the 2020 NBA All-Star game.
“It would mean a lot,” Davis said Monday following Lakers practice at Quest Multisport on the city’s west side. “Obviously, I love playing back home. To come back and hopefully get a chance to play All-Star and have All-Star weekend where I can see my friends and family more and do stuff around the city and kind of take control of the city for that weekend, it would be huge for me. I’m excited for that opportunity.”
So is Davis’ new teammate, LeBron James.
“Chicago this year in February, it’s going to be warm?” James cracked. “No, I’m looking forward to that, if I’m a part of it. The West is a lot of athletes, a lot of great players. Hopefully I can get the nod to represent the West again, represent the Lakers. I’d love to come back to The Chi, that’s for sure.”
Given that James is a 15-time All-Star and Davis has played in six straight, it’s a safe bet both players will be playing at the United Center not only on Tuesday with the Lakers but in February with the Western Conference.
This is Davis’ first season with the Lakers as James’ teammate after the Pelicans granted his trade request. That move took Davis from chasing a playoff spot to chasing a championship.
NBA
“It’s a blessing, man, just to be able to play the game this long,” Davis said. “Had a great time in New Orleans and got a new episode here. Definitely excited to be able to compete for a championship this year and just keep moving forward.”
This summer, Davis raised eyebrows and created headlines by calling Chicago the mecca of basketball. He doubled down on that stance when asked about it Monday.
“We got the best basketball players ever,” he said. “You look at the history and all the guys we got that made the league and even the guys that didn’t make the league. They say New York. But it’s not even close.”
And Davis watched highlights of his fellow hometown product Derrick Rose getting serenaded with chants of “MVP!” from the United Center faithful when Rose’s Pistons visited last week.
“They love him here,” Davis said. “Chicago basketball, they love their guys. It was a good thing to see, especially with all he has been through.
“His name will forever be etched in stone here as a legend. He made it out where most people wouldn’t. He’s a Hall of Famer here forever, no matter if he makes it or not. I’m happy for him. I’m happy he’s back being the old Derrick Rose.”
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