You say Anthony Davis’ buzzer beater to win Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals for the Lakers will be his signature moment of this playoff run—and you would be right.
It was dramatic. It was unforgettable. It was, as Davis yelled in celebration immediately, “Kobe.”
Yet what has also been openly there for all to see, albeit much more quietly and cloaked in the lonelier moments when all the world’s mouths haven’t been agape at his success and joy looping on autoplay before their eyes:
Three times the Lakers have lost games in these playoffs, and every single time, Davis has dangled himself to be available as a punching bag for anyone frustrated by the team’s loss.