Report: LeBron told Lakers' brass AD should be 'focal point'

LeBron James has shouldered the offensive load for the majority of his career, wherever he's played.

But once it became clear the Los Angeles Lakers were acquiring Anthony Davis, James told the team's brass the newcomer should lead the Lakers' offensive charge this season, league sources told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes.

"I’ve kind of been a focal-point player my whole career, especially in New Orleans," Davis told Haynes. "But first off, to have a guy like LeBron, someone of his caliber, go tell management and ownership and the coaches that he wants me to be the focal point is an honor.

"I know what comes with that, and that’s a lot of heavy lifting. I want to be able to do that. I think I have the capabilities of doing that. And obviously with the team’s support, it’s going to be a lot easier on me. We have a great team."

Davis was the undisputed go-to guy during his seven seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans. The six-time All-Star finished each of the past five seasons in the NBA's top 20 for usage percentage, according to Basketball Reference. During the 2016-17 campaign, Davis finished sixth in the Association in that department while managing to post 28 points, 11.8 boards, and 2.2 blocks per contest across 75 appearances.

While James' play hasn't declined severely, he'll turn 35 years old in December, and Davis is ready for the increased limelight as one of the Lakers' leaders.

"Obviously, it’s a lot different," Davis said. "The market is a lot different, the media is a lot different, the atmosphere is a lot different.

"But at the end of the day, when you step between those lines, something I’ve been doing for 23 years of life, it’s just basketball. I’m excited about the challenge, I’m excited for the opportunity and I can’t wait to get started."