Anthony Davis is an important player for the Lakers. Besides being a dominant force on offense, he sets the tone for the team defensively, which was made known during L.A.’s title run in 2020, when he led the way for them on that end of the floor.
This season, however, we’re seeing a different side of Davis that is starting to really concern some fans. Despite averaging 24 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, the star big man doesn’t appear to be nearly as dominant as he was a few seasons ago.
Apparently, it could have something to do with his efforts on defense.
According to StatMuse, players are actually shooting above their career average against Davis, marking a new career-low for a traditionally excellent defensive player.
Players are shooting 46.7% when defended by AD this season, 1.3% *better* than their usual FG%.
A career-worst and the first time in his career players are shooting better when guarded by him.
Among the top 5 shots contester, he is the only one allowing positive FG% difference. pic.twitter.com/9ZvvUdObiO
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 10, 2021
AD, who turns 29 in March, hasn’t been himself since that 2020 bubble run and nobody has a clue as to why.
The only thing we can say for sure is that, without the Chicago native at his peak, it is going to be hard for the Lakers to regain the defensive edge that helped them capture a title.
“Listen, Anthony Davis, you’ve got to play better,” said Charles Barkley. “I said on the first night: if the Lakers are gonna be any good, it was all gonna be on you. Anthony Davis, you know I like you as a person, but you ain’t doing what you’re supposed to do. In my opinion, I blame Anthony Davis. You know I like you as a person, but you ain’t doing what you supposed to. You’re 27 years old. You are supposed to be in your prime. You’re supposed to be one of the five best players in the world up there with Giannis, Kevin Durant and those guys. And you ain’t holding up your end of the bargain.”
At just 14-13 overall, the 17x Champs are far from where they want to be as a team and most critics have already counted them out completely.
Over the next few weeks, Rob Pelinka will work to tweak the roster as LeBron James and the crew continue to address their issues from the inside out.
Either way, getting Anthony Davis back on track should be their first priority.
