Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis is one of the most successful big men in basketball history. He dominated en route to a national championship in college, excelled in the Los Angeles Lakers' title win in 2020 and is now a two-time Olympic gold medalist.

While critics dismiss the Lakers as a team that shouldn't be mentioned among supposedly legitimate NBA contenders, Davis isn't hearing any of it.

Over the course of five seasons in Los Angeles, Davis helped the purple and gold win a championship and reach a second conference final. There have been ups and downs, including a first round exit in 2023/24, but the highlights have been exceptional.

When asked what mentality he's entering the 2024-25 season with, Davis answered at length before mentioning three key words: “Whatever it takes.”

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin:

“To be aggressive every time on the field. To be dominant in every game. I'm doing my job. I'm doing my part to help this team do what we need to do. Whether it's about taking on a match defensively or taking on a role offensively. A leader of… “We can't rely heavily on games, playoffs, whatever it takes, it's a team effort that we want to build to make sure I'm even better than I was last year.

That's as encouraging and team-oriented a quote as you'll find from a superstar, no matter what team he plays for.

The fact that Davis is focused on being better than he was in 2023-24 is a scary thought for opposing teams and players. Last season, he was the only player to earn both All-NBA and All-Defense honors – and he deserved every vote.

Davis was the defensive anchor for Los Angeles, defending the team and taking on challenges along the perimeter while carrying a tremendous offensive load.

Statistically, he averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.1 offensive boards, 3.5 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.2 steals in 76 games. He shot 55.6 percent from the field and 81.6 percent at the free throw line.

Davis also ranked first in the NBA in second-chance points — while the Lakers ranked last as a team in the same statistic.

The hope is that Davis will be surrounded by a healthier supporting cast in 2024-25 than he was in 2023-24. Davis, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell have all played at least 68 games, but the second unit has been plagued by injuries.

Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent appeared in a combined 40 games after signing contracts worth a combined $81 million in 2023, and Christian Wood missed 32 appearances of his own.

Health permitting, the Lakers should have a better team than the one that won 47 games and the NBA Cup a season ago. The key to unlocking the unit's full potential will be the three words Davis so casually said: “Whatever it takes.”

With his commitment to winning, which includes a willingness to do whatever the situation requires, Davis is ready to lead by example as he enters a pivotal season in franchise history.