Lakers News: Stephen A Smith Compares Career Arcs Of 2 Hall Of Fame LA Bigs

This is certainly a tough one to choose from...
Lakers News: Stephen A Smith Compares Career Arcs Of 2 Hall Of Fame LA Bigs
Lakers News: Stephen A Smith Compares Career Arcs Of 2 Hall Of Fame LA Bigs /
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The debate about who has seen a better NBA career between current Lakers big man Anthony Davis and former Lakers center Dwight Howard is a very interesting one. Both were former number-one overall picks, and both have seen a ton of success over their careers.

Howard has been out of the league for the last few years, while Davis is still in his prime as a player. So it’s definitely a debate that could be being discussed a little early, but it remains a strong talking point for analysts.

NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith of ESPN broke down his opinion on the matter during an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s show,  Club Shay Shay.

“Anthony Davis was a prolific scorer but at the end of the day, he wasn’t relevant until he arrived to the Lakers with LeBron. Dwight Howard was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Extraordinary shot-blocker and racer.”

Per Stephen A. Smith on

Club Shay Shay

When you really break things down, Davis is the better overall player. But Howard has had the better overall career to this point, as Davis still has plenty of time to change this.

Howard was able to take an Orlando Magic team to the NBA Finals in 2009, while Davis never got out of the second round with the New Orleans Pelicans. Basketball is a team sport, but the star players get all the praise or blame when things happen.

“He was never the offensive player that Davis was, but was certainly just as impactful. And more successful because he was on a squad that Anthony Davis won a championship with as a reserve, which means he’s got a ring too”

Per Stephen A. Smith on Club Shay Shay

The two players will be future Hall-of-Famers, but right now, Howard has seen the better career. People just tend to forget just how dominant he was before he joined the Lakers the first time around.

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Matt Levine
MATT LEVINE

Matt earned a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Louisiana State University in 2021. He was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, covering all Southern California sports in his career.