The Los Angeles Lakers brought in high-level shooters but Anthony Davis still takes a good number of 3’s. The NBA has evolved, and big men are now expected to patrol the perimeter on occasion to unclog the lane and take some open jumpers if they have the opportunity.
Much has been made on Davis’ poor shooting this season, as he holds the worst three-point percentage record for players with 2+ attempts per game. Even so, AD has boldly stated that he will not stop shooting as he believes it frees up the lane for his teammates.
Speaking in a post-game interview with LeBron James after the win over Detroit Pistons, AD was asked how he managed to find a balance in the game and he said (1:40):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMaN3zKD5A4
“Shooting. Just confidence, staying with it. You know, long season. I’m gonna continue to shoot the ball from three, whether it go in or not. I think that opens up the floor for my teammates, Bron, Russ, Talo [Talen Horton-Tucker] to get downhill. And it opens it up for me to get to the paint. Guys going out closing out to the three. But, I’m just tryna be effective on all three levels of the floor. It was going for me tonight.
Davis was super effective from the field in the game against the Pistons. He converted on 10-of-15 attempts from the field and went 2-of-2 from the perimeter. In 37 minutes, he recorded 24 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.
The Lakers do not have great shooters in the starting 5, which is why every three-pointer made means so much. Regardless, AD has a long way to go in boosting his averages from beyond the arc. He is currently shooting 20.5% on 2.1 attempts per game.
AD will be hoping to take his newfound shooting range as they seek revenge against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. The last time both teams met, Davis was 0-of-5 from the perimeter and 9 of 22 from the field.
