LeBron James encourages Anthony Davis ahead of New Orleans return

LeBron James
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 25: LeBron James #23, and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Utah Jazz on October 25, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Arguably the most anticipated game of the short season for the Los Angeles Lakers comes on Wednesday night as Anthony Davis makes his first return to New Orleans since being traded by the Pelicans. It is sure to be an emotional and perhaps feisty affair as fans will be ready to unleash hell on the big man for how he handled his exit.

Davis has spoken candidly about what he expects in the buildup to the game. Fortunately for him, his veteran teammates know a thing or two about the atmosphere in a return game and none more so than LeBron James.

When James made his first return to Cleveland after famously taking his talents to South Beach, he was met with the most hostile environment imaginable. That’s why as Davis gets ready for a similar situation, James has been in his ear giving him advice and encouraging him to focus on basketball once the ball is tipped.

While the help from LeBron is surely appreciated, nothing will really substitute for the experience that AD will feel in a few hours. That said, the All-Star big man is making it clear that he is focused on winning the game especially as the Pelicans have a few former Lakers hoping to exact some revenge of their own on their former team.

The Pelicans host the Lakers at 6:30 PM PST.

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