LeBron James to Anthony Davis critics: ‘We don’t give a s**t’

Anthony Davis copped a mountain of criticism after the Los Angeles Lakers’ season-opening loss. LeBron James responded in kind.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Photos: Getty Images

LeBron James was not mincing words after his Los Angeles Lakers got their first win of the new season this week.

After the Lakers’ 100-95 win over the Suns at Cyrpto.com Arena, James was interviewed on the court after the game in a spot for TNT, the New York Post reports.

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When asked about those who criticised his teammate Anthony Davis for his second-half performance in an opening-night loss to the Nuggets, James, 38, gave a pointed answer.

“We don’t give a s**t about criticism about AD — we don’t care. Nothing bothers us,” James said after Davis rebounded from his tough game one with a dominant night against Phoenix.

“AD doesn’t care, I don’t know if guys have figured that out, AD does not care.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Photos: Getty Images

“He’s not on social media, so he’s doesn’t see that other crap. He rarely talks, unless it’s to us.

“So we don’t give a s**t about it. He definitely doesn’t.”

Davis, 30, finished the first game with 17 points and eight rebounds, but he disappeared in the second half, going scoreless on 0-of-6 shooting from the field.

After that game, Charles Barkley called out Davis on TNT’s postgame coverage.

“I said when he was in New Orleans, this guy is going to be the best basketball player in the world in the next five years,” the Hall of Famer said.

“He’s not even mentioned anymore when you talk about the best players in the game. “LeBron has said it publicly: It’s (Davis’s) team now.

LeBron James said that Anthony Davis wouldn't be browbeaten by critics:

"We don't give a s--- about criticism about AD... AD doesn't care."

Davis scored 19 points in the 2nd half against the Suns on Thursday and outscored Phoenix's entire team 13-11 in the 4th quarter. pic.twitter.com/sP7ljRjmjc

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 27, 2023

“And you wonder when the light is going to kick on because he (doesn’t) have to play great every night, but you can’t go a whole half and not score.”

But Davis had a strong response against Phoenix, dropping 30 points with 12 rebounds, three blocks, three steals and two assists.

Most notably, he came alive in the second half with 19 points.

At least for one night, he silenced the critics, even if the Lakers don’t care one way or the other.

This article originally appeared in the New York Post and was reproduced with permission