Analyzing Anthony Davis’s Dominance So Far
AD’s incredible start to the season visualized
If there’s one thing Lakers fans can be thankful for in an otherwise dismal start to the season, it’s the resurgence of Anthony Davis. The 6'10" Kentucky alum has been handed the keys to the franchise for the foreseeable future, and he has shown a consistent resiliance despite LA’s troubles.
After a 2021–22 campaign that saw Davis suit up for 40 games, he has begun this season strong, starting 15 of the Lakers’ 16 games and averaging 26.4 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 56% from the field and 83% from the line (the 21% from three is something that should be worked on, but Davis is still excelling nonetheless). He has been as much of a wonder on defense, boasting 1.7 steals and 2.1 blocks per game.
These graphics from PerThirtySix show Davis’s scoring metrics and where he stacks up against similar competition.
AD recently made NBA history, becoming the first player to record at least 35 points, 20 rebounds, five steals and five blocks in the game. Add that to the fact that he’s recorded 30 points and 15 boards in his last four games (more history there), and it’s no wonder why he has captivated fans throughout the past couple of months.
One look at his recent highlights, and fans are beginning to see shades of the AD that dominated opponents in New Orleans. Granted, he is still 29-years-old — an age that’s considered a player’s “prime” — but this rejuvenation is truly a sight to behold when you remember how he struggled last season.
Davis’s hustle is equally impressive. PerThirtySix’s Hustle Index has him ranked as the 90th best hustler in the NBA, joining the likes of Ja Morant (91), Jrue Holiday (94) and De’Aaron Fox (88). At 6'10" and 253 lbs, it’s still mesmerizing how Davis can be as quick as a guard on both sides of the ball, only aiding in his case as one of the league’s most dominant bigs this season.
It is also worth mentioning that he is ranked highly in most of the following categories:
However, tip the scales towards contesting shots and decrease emphasis on other areas (e.g. drawing charges and distance traveled), and you have a clearer picture of where AD stands: 40th out of 250 players.
It’s not just the eye test that paints Davis in a positive light; the analytics prove it, too.
Quieting the Critics
Is all of this noise enough to stifle critics’ concerns about him? It’s complicated.
Those who support Davis immediately jump to the film and stats in praise of his otherworldly stretch of games — all while recovering from a back injury sustained in late October. Others argue that it’s 15 games into the season and anything can happen — for all we know, Davis’s dominance may last for brief stretches before another injury forces him to the side.
Regardless, he has managed to shut them up for now with his play on the court and mindset of redemption, and for the most part, it’s paid off. The Lakers are 3–1 when Davis logs 30 or more points but 5–5 when he records double-doubles. Keep in mind, he’s doing most of this without LeBron James, but there should be minimal impact if the Lakers stick to the script: let AD cook while James and Westbrook do their thing, and support the trio the best you can.
Glimpses of Hope
This small stretch of games has given LakeShow fans light at the end of the tunnel. Davis is finally starting to re-emerge as a prime number one option, and the Lakers are beginning to see the future in a post-LeBron era. Things are starting to look up in La La Land, and they have Anthony Davis to thank for it.
