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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 keys to Anthony Davis winning MVP

By Jason Reed

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 15: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 15: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Anthony Davis must really lean into his role as a rim protector and rebounder

Anthony Davis needs to shoot more efficiently from three to have a better chance at being named the MVP but he does not have to live from the three-point line. Davis attempted 2.8 threes per game last season and 3.5 the year prior.

About three three-point shots per game is a fair number for Davis that he can get in transition or in designed played to get him an open look from the corner. Davis should be spending more of his time near the rim as a true center for the Lakers.

Laker fans have been dying for Davis to play center since he donned the purple and gold. While he has done so in small increments, he has been vocal that he does not want to play the five and that is why the Lakers have had to go out and bring in multiple centers.

Davis is going to have to play more center with Russell Westbrook in town, especially with the threat of Marc Gasol not returning to the Lakers. That is a great thing for Davis’ MVP case, though, as it will allow him to truly lean into what makes his game so special.

Davis is one of the best defensive players in the league and he can thrive even more in this increased role near the rim. He obviously already plays near the rim a lot but him really leaning into being that rim protector and defensive rebound machine is only going to improve his overall averages as well as his defensive metrics.

Davis is good enough to win the Defensive Player of the Year award and racking up the blocks is going to increase his chances of doing so. And if he is named the Defensive Player of the Year then he obviously has a better chance of being named the MVP.

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