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Lakers: 2 reasons why Anthony Davis will dominate once he returns

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on February 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers Anthony Davis
(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Anthony Davis dominates when the games matte, look at last year’s NBA Playoffs

LeBron James may have been named the 2020 NBA Finals MVP but Anthony Davis was the most valuable player of the entire playoffs. AD took a small step back in the Finals to pave way for LeBron to win the award but he was playing at a truly special level before that.

Davis averaged 27.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in 21 playoff games. His advanced numbers are even more impressive. He had a 130 offensive rating, 107 defensive rating and an 8.7 Box Plus/Minus.

The most telling stat was his win shares per 48 minutes. Davis led every player in the playoffs in win shares per 48 minutes with .284. That may feel like an empty number until you compare it to other all-time greats.

Davis played 769 minutes in the playoffs last season. Among players with 500 minutes played in a single postseason, Davis’ .284 WS/48 ranks seventh all-time. The players he is behind?

  • LeBron James: .399 (2009)
  • Michael Jordan: .333 (1991), .306 (1996) 
  • Wilt Chamberlain: .323 (1964)
  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: .297 (1974)
  • Bill Russell: .286 (1965)

That is five of the seven or so greatest players of all time. Got it.

Davis was great in the playoffs before he was on the Lakers as well. While the New Orleans Pelicans didn’t make it very far in the NBA Playoffs, Davis played phenomenally. Davis’ numbers last year were actually below his career averages.

Davis is averaging 28.8 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game in 34 career playoff games. He is already elite and is even better when it matters most.

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