Davis, Pelicans send Lakers to 1st 1-7 start since 1957-58 season
Anthony Davis made sure Kobe Bryant didn't regret the praise he showered upon the 21-year-old.
The New Orleans Pelicans power forward continued his monster start to the year, scoring 25 points on 12-of-16 shooting, while hauling in 12 rebounds and blocking six shots in a 109-102 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
It was Davis's fourth consecutive double-double and sixth in seven games.
The Lakers have started the year 1-7 for the first time since the 1957-58 season when they played in Minneapolis.
Bryant, who scored a game-high 33 points on 10-of-28 shooting, got a firsthand look at Davis's domination.
The 36-year-old Bryant was asked about one of the league's brightest young stars ahead of the game and didn't hold back.
Kobe on AD: "He's an athletic Pau Gasol. That's the best way I can put it. He can be one of the greatest power forwards who has ever played"
— Bill Oram (@billoram) November 12, 2014
Davis, who was upset with his team's defense after letting the Lakers back in the contest, said it's exciting competing against Bryant.
"Always, he's a great player," Davis said in a postgame interview. "It's always an honor to go against somebody like that."
Davis is leading the NBA in rebounds and blocks per game, has the top player efficiency rating and has the Pelicans off to a 4-3 start.