Anthony Davis hasn't played for the Lakers since Dec. 17. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Davis may be looking like a changed man when he returns to the lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported on Sunday that the Lakers star has made one big improvement to his game while rehabbing his knee injury: Davis has been working on his shot mechanics.

The eight-time All-Star Davis has been out since Dec. 17 after suffering an MCL sprain on an unfortunate play (video here). He is nearing a return, however, and could be back as soon as Tuesday against Brooklyn.

An improved jumper is sorely needed for Davis. Before he got injured, Davis was shooting a horrendous 17.9 percent from deep this season. He was even getting roasted by some big NBA names for his awful shooting. With Davis’ hard work during rehab, however, the Lakers will be hoping that he can finally put those criticisms to rest and truly unlock their offense.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Suns hire ex-NBA champion as new head coach
Frank Vogel fell victim to a Suns ownership group eager to win
Luka Doncic hands OKC first playoff loss with gutsy Game 2 effort
Three takeaways as Rangers take commanding 3-0 series lead on Hurricanes
Rams make surprising move with former team captain
Ohio State AD is wrong for thinking Michigan wins deserve asterisk
Padres OF Jurickson Profar is a legitimate MVP candidate
Steelers' Cameron Heyward comments on controversial Justin Fields idea
Pacers coach claims officials are biased against 'small market' teams
14-year-old phenom signs unprecedented MLS deal that includes future Man City transfer
Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy's 'soured' relationship paints murky future for PGA Tour
Stars almost blow another lead, even series with Avalanche
Auburn's Hugh Freeze uncomfortable with 'bidding wars' for top players in transfer portal
Cavaliers punch back, blow out Celtics in Game 2
Coach: Oilers star center could miss Game 2 vs. Canucks
Watch: Cavaliers' Evan Mobley turns defense into offense in Game 2 vs. Celtics
Xander Schauffele tops stacked leaderboard after first round of Wells Fargo Championship
Suns talks with head-coaching target 'expected to move quickly'
Knicks get even more bad injury news ahead of Game 3
2008 Celtics champion sentenced to prison despite emotional plea