Lakers' Anthony Davis Called a 'Big Flopper' by 76ers' Paul Reed Ahead of Matchup

Never one to hold back, Philadelphia 76ers' backup center Paul Reed simplified how he's going to guard Anthony Davis ahead of Monday night's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Stay out of foul trouble.

"You know that he's a big flopper," Reed said via The Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey "So make sure that I don't get in foul trouble early. Can't be too aggressive with him. You know, he's going to be flailing. So you got to make sure that I stay out of foul trouble."

And while it appears that Reed is calling out the eight-time All-Star—typically not a wise move ahead of a marquee matchup—it was actually a pretty fair comment considering both his and Davis' tendencies.

Still Lakers' coach Darvin Ham knows that it could be a long night for Reed and the 76ers front line if Davis gets going.

"He's got to go guard him, I guess," Ham said via ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "… Best of luck, Paul"

Davis is currently averaging 5.9 free-throw attempts per game and has a reputation for being a bit of a free-throw merchant. Meanwhile, Reed has a tenacity for getting into foul trouble.

The 24-year-old had four fouls in games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, and Milwaukee Bucks. He also collected three fouls against the Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns while averaging just 13.4 minutes this season.

Davis shot seven free throws in his 32-point outburst against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night. So, if the 76ers want any hope of containing him, they got to keep him away from the charity stripe.