[ad_1]
After its introductory press conference, we discussed the biggest summer acquisition of the Lakers. He gave up his new franchise, leaving New Orleans, helped recruit Kawhi Leonard, and explains why he's not thinking beyond 2019-2020 in Los Angeles.
ESPN: What does it mean "Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Laker?"
Anthony Davis: It's different. Something that fascinates me, you know. But it looks weird, that 's for sure.
ESPN: I mean, it's not fair all team. It's a team where there are 10 NBA trophies sitting on the ledge behind you. Have you ever been in a room with an NBA trophy?
ONE D: Not until now [laughs]. Not until now. It's the right motivation there. Whenever I come here and see these trophies, banners and stars, I'm excited and I'm ready to start.
1 related
ESPN: Getting here is not expensive for you. You were asking for an exchange in the middle of the season was very unpopular, then this demand and the sloppy nature of the negotiations that resulted are what many people think derailed the seasons of two teams. Why do it? Why do it then, instead of just waiting for summer?
ONE D: I knew that I was not going to sign an extension and that my stay in New Orleans was coming to an end. And, you know, I see a lot of people saying, "Wait" or "You should do it that way, that way." But for me, I'm in the league long enough. I am an adult man. I know what I want. And so I thought that doing it at that time would certainly be beneficial for myself and for the organization to get the best package available, so that the organization is always in place.
ESPN: Would you like to have done something differently?
ONE D: No, I would like to have done as I have done. I am a very honest and honest person. You know, I want to tell you what it is. I love the city of New Orleans, but from a professional and professional point of view of basketball, I felt that it was time for me to move on.
ESPN: You and I talked a lot about last season. And every time we spoke, you told me so clearly that it was about taking control of your life. Why was this a big theme for you this year?
ONE D: Because I allowed people to tell me what to do and to advise me to do this or that. And now, taking control of my career, any decision I make, you know, I can sleep at night. I'm fine. It was the most important thing for me. I had a lot of regrets and thoughts, I should have done it my way. Or, I should have done it differently. But now, it's like I'm doing it my way – I'm able to sleep at night without worrying about others' opinion.
ESPN: You are also a father now, right? Becoming a father, how much does it make you think: "Okay, it's time to be an adult and think about my family and make some decisions?"
ONE D: I thought that coming to the league at age 18 would make you grow up. But, you know, as you've said, being a father in a definitive way – well, you can not really understand it before you're a parent. [laughs]. And now, everything I do is not just about me. It's about her too.
ESPN: Well, I see her around your neck right there [points to a necklace with a photo].
ONE D: Yes, everywhere with me.
ESPN: There were players like Kevin Durant, who was released in public and said, "I will not play with LeBron because of everything that goes with it." Why was it something that you made want to do?
ONE D: I do not really care about the attention of the media. You know, I just want to play. And, obviously, playing alongside one of the future members of the Hall of Fame at LeBron greatly facilitates things. So, I know it will come with the territory, but in the end, I focus on the ultimate goal, that is to say win the championship.
ESPN: You were trying to add another superstar also with Kawhi. How did you participate in recruiting Kawhi?
ONE D: I mean, Kawhi is not a big recruiter, that's what I heard. So – I would text him from time to time, but then just like, "Is that too much?"
ESPN: I like that you're like everyone else, like: "How can I talk to Kawhi? Is it too much? Do I send too many text messages?" It's like going back to a romantic relationship. Right?
ONE D: Yeah, you really do not know. Yeah [laughs].
1:17
Anthony Davis remembers when he was traded while watching a movie, causing him to ignore his agent's calls and know his fate on Instagram.
ESPN: How many times have you been chatting on the phone with Lakers and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka during this crazy free agency week?
ONE D: Oh all the time. It was as if every 30 to 45 minutes, Rob called me.
ESPN: No, come
ONE D: No seriously. Rob called me, "What do you think of him?" "Okay, cool." Back, "AD, you know, that's what's going on with him." "Okay, cool, okay." Sometimes I had to say, "Rob, I'm in the cinema." He would say, "Okay, well, call me as soon as you go out." But we try to put the best team around us and I think he's done a great job.
ESPN: You came here and have already said, "I am here to win titles." Rob Pelinka told the media: "Nothing less than a championship is not a success." Are you afraid to put the bar a little too high here?
ONE D: No, we have a standard, and that's it, you know. Especially for me as a player. If I do not win the championship, then this season has not been a success.
ESPN: At your introductory press conference, they introduced you as someone who, they hope, will be a "pillar of the Lakers for the coming decade".
ONE D: Yeah.
ESPN: You are signed only through this season. Do you think that you will be a pillar of the Lakers for years and years to come?
ONE D: Honestly, Rachel, I'm just focused on this season. I do not know what will happen. I have a year here, so I will make the most of this year. And when that moment comes in summer or, you know, every time the season is over – hopefully, you know, in mid-June, after the parade, and I need a few days to think – then we can talk about that. But until then, I try to do everything I can to help this team win this year.
[ad_2]
Source link