Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Reasons why Anthony Davis is the DPOY favorite

By Ethan Temkin

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 04: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on before a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 4, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 04: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on before a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 4, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /

5.) The Stats

The numbers are as good place as any to start and boy does Davis have a lot of them. Here’s a short list of where he ranks in the most important defensive statistics, as of 12/7/19.

  • 1st in total blocks and blocks per game
  • 2nd in DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
  • 3rd in Defensive Rating
  • 6th in VORP (Value over Replacement Player)
  • 8th in DBPM (Defensive Box Plus Minus)

Keep in mind that Davis is doing all of this in addition to being one of the Laker’s primary scorers. On the season he’s putting up averages of 26.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, which in of itself is already impressive, but considering the fact that he’s playing elite defense to go along with is borderline insane.

Switching gears, let’s take a closer look at some of the advanced metrics provided by CleaningtheGlass and see where Davis ranks in those categories.

  • BLK% of 4.2% (93rd percentile)
  • STL% of 1.8% (88th percentile)
  • FOUL% of 2.4% (91st percentile)

These numbers essentially boil down to Davis blocking shots, and grabbing steals at an elite level for his position, all while maintaining an incredibly low foul rate, which is an important caveat when it comes to evaluating defensive impact.

Home/Lakers News