Anthony Davis: Lakers’ Game-Changer as a 3-Point Threat in NBA 2023
Anthony Davis is having a standout season with the Lakers, focusing on improving his 3-point shooting. He is currently shooting a career-best 42.9% from beyond the arc, which is a significant jump from last season’s 27.1%. His previous best rate was 34% during the 2017-18 season with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Davis is averaging 31.1 points per game and shooting 56.1% from the field and 79.8% from the free-throw line. He attempts an average of 2.3 three-pointers per game, showing a strong efficiency despite taking slightly fewer attempts than in previous seasons.
Under the coaching of JJ Redick, who emphasized 3-point shooting, Davis has refined his shot selection. Most of his successful three-pointers come from the middle of the court and the left-center area, where he shoots 50% and 46.2%, respectively. His attempts from the right-center area are less successful, as he has made only 1 out of 4.
How does Anthony Davis’s improved shooting ability impact his role within the Lakers’ offensive strategy?
Interview with Sports Analyst Dr. Michael Ellis on Anthony Davis’s Impressive Season
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ellis. Anthony Davis is having an extraordinary season with the Lakers, particularly with his 3-point shooting. What do you think has contributed to his remarkable improvement from 27.1% last season to a career-best 42.9% this season?
Dr. Michael Ellis: It’s great to be here! Anthony’s transformation this season can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, the focus on skill development under JJ Redick’s coaching cannot be overstated. Redick, being one of the premier 3-point shooters in NBA history, has instilled a shooting mindset and discipline in Davis that wasn’t as emphasized before.
News Directory 3: You mentioned Redick’s coaching influence. How has the adjustment in shot selection impacted Davis’s efficiency?
Dr. Michael Ellis: Significant strides have been made in shot selection. Davis is making smarter choices about when and where to shoot the three-ball. The data shows that his most successful shots come from the middle of the court and the left-center area, where he’s shooting impressively at 50% and 46.2%, respectively. By focusing on these areas, he has maximized his scoring potential while minimizing lower-percentage attempts.
News Directory 3: Despite a higher shooting percentage, Davis is attempting fewer threes. What does this say about his overall game this season?
Dr. Michael Ellis: It signifies a maturation in his offensive approach. Davis is averaging 31.1 points per game while maintaining a shooting percentage of 56.1% from the field. By selectively taking 2.3 threes per game, he balances his scoring between inside and outside the arc, allowing him to leverage his impressive mid-range and post-up game as well. It demonstrates a well-rounded offensive arsenal.
News Directory 3: What areas of his three-point shooting still present challenges for Davis?
Dr. Michael Ellis: While he has improved considerably, his attempts from the right-center area are noticeably less successful, with only one made out of four attempts. This indicates that while he’s developed a solid 3-point shooting game, there are still specific spots on the floor where he needs to find greater consistency.
News Directory 3: Given his all-around performance this season, how does Davis’s rebirth as a shooter affect the Lakers’ overall strategy moving forward?
Dr. Michael Ellis: That’s a crucial point. Davis’s ability to stretch the floor with his improved shooting opens lanes for his teammates. It forces defenses to extend themselves, creating more opportunities for drives, cuts, and even easier scoring chances for other players. As the Lakers continue to integrate Davis into their game plan, I expect to see more creative offensive sets that capitalize on his versatility.
News Directory 3: Thank you very much, Dr. Ellis, for your insights into Anthony Davis’s shooting improvements and overall contributions this season.
Dr. Michael Ellis: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of the season unfolds for him and the team.
The improvements in Davis’s shooting are remarkable and contribute to his overall impressive performance this season.