Your Los Angeles Lakers' 2023-24 season has been one of many ups and downs, but they've had one constant. That has been star big man Anthony Davis, who has proven doubters wrong for much of the year.
Davis opened up about what has helped him find success this season. He has gone back to the basics, and it has worked wonders for him.
“I just wasn’t shooting it enough,” Davis said. “A lot of my shots were coming in the paint — post-ups and duck-ins and seals and things like that. Now, the way that teams are playing me, doubling on the catch and on the dribble, I’ve been just getting back to the mid-range. It’s an easier shot instead of fighting the double teams to get a shot up. So that’s all it is. Continuing to trust it and shoot it.”
In 36 games thus far (LA is in the midst of a matchup with the Phoenix Suns, as of this writing), Davis is averaging 25.7 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. He has been the engine for the Lakers all year long, and it has been great to see.
Davis has been the best player on the Lakers, which is something many have been wanting from him for a while. He has seemingly taken the mantle from LeBron James, and the hope is that he can continue this strong play down the stretch.
"As was the case during the 2019-20 championship season, Davis’ jumper has made him nearly unguardable. He’s too quick for centers and too powerful for forwards and guards. He’s reading double-teams well, shooting over the top of the defense before the help comes and finding shooters and cutters if opponents surprise him."
If Davis can stay healthy and continue to perform in this manner, the Lakers will be dangerous. They have to get to the postseason first, but Davis has shown that he can carry this team.
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