Lamar Davis is Franklin‘s best friend in GTA 5
As any passionate GTA fan knows, Lamar Davis is not just a friend to protagonist Franklin Clinton – he‘s day one, for life. Despite Franklin‘s efforts to move beyond the gang lifestyle, his complex relationship with the eccentric, explosive Lamar represents home in Los Santos. After hundreds of hours journeying through San Andreas, I‘m convinced there‘s no bond in GTA V deeper than the brotherhood between Franklin and his shotgun-riding, weed-slinging best friend.
From Boys to Men in Chamberlain Hills
Growing up together in Chamberlain Hills, Franklin and Lamar were both members of the Families gang peddling drugs and running in shootouts. But while Franklin matured and began seeking a way out of the hood, Lamar remains stuck in his adolescent fantasies of gangster glory. Still, he stays loyal to Franklin, even as their lives diverge. As Lamar tells Slim: "Frank‘s my motherf***ing homie."
In one of their first missions together, Lamar berates Franklin for trying to abandon his roots, yelling "You always been cold and useless!" This explosive temper underscores their whole relationship – Lamar flies off the handle, Franklin stays cool. But despite their squabbles, Lamar repeatedly risks it all for his friend.
Ride Together, Die Together Loyalty
Throughout GTA V, Lamar proves he‘s down to ride hard with Franklin no matter what. When the Ballas kidnap Lamar, Franklin shakes down the entire neighborhood to track him down. In The Paleto Score, Lamar arrives as cavalry with limo driver Taliana to rescue Franklin from certain death.
And Franklin returns the favor – when Federal agents snatch Lamar, Franklin leads the attack to extract him. Even when constantly letting Lamar drag him into chaos, he refuses to abandon his friend.
According to the GTA wiki bio, Lamar is "DOWN for His Friends" – all caps for emphasis. After all they‘ve endured since childhood, Franklin and Lamar‘s relationship runs deeper than petty grievances or disagreements. Sure, Lamar‘s crazy – but he‘s Franklin‘s kind of crazy.
The Heart of GTA V
While Michael‘s mentorship and Lester‘s hacking surely boost Franklin‘s rise in V, his inextricable link to Lamar gives his character purpose.
All of Lamar‘s antics, from terrorizing the families on Grove Street to masterminding phony assassination missions, provide some of GTA V‘s most hilarious moments. And his infectious, larger-than-life persona makes every scene burst with chaotic energy.
Yet underneath all the bluster lies an unbreakable bond – Franklin and Lamar are family. Ultimately, Lamar Davis symbolizes Franklin‘s origin, his history, and his motivation.
That‘s why this reckless, lovable gangster remains Franklin Clinton‘s closest friend throughout GTA V and beyond. Their brotherhood forms the emotional core that holds together San Andreas‘ sprawling crime epic. Wherever their adventures take them, Franklin and Lamar ride eternal as Grove Street‘s finest.
