Anthony Davis began the season with an impressive performance, scoring 36 points and grabbing 16 rebounds against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He followed this with another strong showing, netting 35 points in a win over the Suns. However, it was his “quietest” outing — 31 points and nine rebounds in a victory against the Sacramento Kings — that has positioned him prominently in the early MVP discussions.
This game was more than just about scoring. The Lakers were playing the Kings on the second night of a back-to-back, while Sacramento was well-rested. In previous seasons, Davis might have struggled in such a scenario, tallying only 15 points in a disappointing loss. But this year was different. He contributed with a pivotal block and scored 10 points, including a crucial three-pointer in the final stretch, helping the Lakers resist a Kings squad eager for their first win.
With a 3-0 record, the Lakers are leading the Western Conference, and Davis is tied with Luka Doncic and Trae Young for the highest scoring average in the league at 34.0 points per game. He is shooting efficiently, hitting 40% from three-point range and 57.1% overall. In the paint, he’s converting 82.6% of his shots at the rim and ranks second in the league with 15 free throw attempts per game. His mid-range shooting at 50.0% further showcases his offensive prowess, making him a tough matchup for defenders this year.
In the 2023-24 season, Davis recorded a decent 1.17 points per possession as a roll man in pick-and-roll situations. However, this season, he has upped his game, averaging a remarkable 1.56 points per possession, ranking him second in the league. This marked enhancement, supported by the playmaking abilities of Austin Reaves and LeBron James, has positioned Davis as the focal point of an efficient pick-and-roll strategy that drives the Lakers’ fifth-ranked offense.
MVP dialogues often highlight scoring prowess, but Davis’s defensive contribution cannot be ignored. Even if his scoring average dips below 30 points as the season progresses, his all-around skills will continue to significantly impact the Lakers’ success.
Davis is currently the only player in the league averaging at least 3.0 deflections and over 9.0 contested shots per game, underscoring his defensive versatility and influence. In coach JJ Redick’s “switch everything” defensive scheme, Davis often guards smaller players on the perimeter, using his length and agility to disrupt plays and force turnovers—an adaptability not commonly seen among players of his height.
He aggressively contests three-point shooters while being one of the league’s top rim protectors, challenging shots and deterring opponents from driving the lane. His stats reflect this dominance: Davis contests 18.0 shots per game and limits opposing players to a mere 40.7% shooting across all scoring areas, showcasing his comprehensive defensive skills.
Through the initial week of the season, Davis has emerged as the leading attraction in the NBA, a true two-way player propelling the Lakers forward. Although it’s still early in the season, MVP narratives often take hold in these first few weeks, gaining momentum quickly.
With his focused and energetic play, Davis is sending a strong message to the league: the nine-time All-Star is not just vying for another championship, but he’s also determined to establish himself as the world’s top player.
