Abdul-Jabbar had nothing but high praise for Davis as he explained why he thinks the Lakers star currently holds the title as the best big man in the league:

“I have a favorite big man and he happens to play in LA and wear number 3, Anthony Davis,” Abdul-Jabbar said, via Sanjesh Singh of USA TODAY Sports. “I think he’s the most talented. Defensively in the paint, he’s awesome. Offensively in the paint, he’s awesome, and then he can go out on the perimeter and be a problem. He can hit the 3 consistently or the mid- and long-range jumper. So, I would have to go with him.”

Some might view this as a hot take from Kareem considering how the frontrunners to this year’s MVP title happened to be a couple of elite big men in Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. Then again, Abdul-Jabbar’s statement isn’t at all surprising considering how he bleeds Purple & Gold:

“But, as you said, Embiid … he’s tough, Jokić … he’s tough,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “I haven’t seen them play a lot. I might change my mind if I get a chance to see them play more, but I’m going to have to go with AD because I’m a Laker through and through and he’s proved it so far.”

For Davis, this is some ultimate praise coming from one of the greatest to have ever played the sport. Nevertheless, this is an empty title unless Davis is able to prove himself in the league. He’s already won one championship with the Lakers, but their disappointing campaign this year puts considerable pressure on Davis and LA to bounce back next term.