Los Angeles Lakers: 3 things to pay attention to in Anthony Davis’ return

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to the game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to the game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers Podcast
(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

3. How much the Los Angeles Lakers want to use Anthony Davis to stretch the floor

Anthony Davis is a special basketball player because he can pretty much do it all. While he is not an elite three-point shooter by any means, he definitely can space the floor and it is yet another tool in his extensive tool belt.

If you recall, early in the season Anthony Davis said that Frank Vogel wanted him to average five three-point attempts per game this season. Davis started the year taking a good number of shots from beyond the arc but it did start to waver off before his injury.

Davis averaged 2.5 threes per game prior to his injury, which is down from the 3.5 threes per game that he was taking the year prior. It will be interesting to see how much the Lakers use him from beyond the arc in this game.

On paper, it makes sense for the Lakers to allow Davis a chance to space the floor. Not only have they already shown their hand with how much they want him to shoot, but it makes sense from a talent standpoint as well.

The Lakers no longer have the five to stretch the floor in Marc Gasol in the starting lineup. Andre Drummond definitely is not going to space the floor, leaving Davis as the guy to add some three-point shots for the frontcourt.

It is also a good excuse to keep his workload low. Banging in the post can take a toll, taking three-point shots is not as taxing, especially in isolation.