Exceeding expectations: Anthony Davis
AD has been outstanding this season and much of it can be attributed to health. He has played in 52 of the Lakers' first 56 games. His highest season total since 2018 is 62. Davis has already taken the floor more than he did in two of the previous three seasons.
The 30-year-old is back on the All-Star team for the first time since 2021 and averaging a career-high 3.8 assists per game. Davis is putting up 24.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.5 blocks on 55.3 percent shooting from the field and 81.0 percent on his free throws to go with it.
He has produced the 11th-best value over replacement player (VORP) in the NBA this season and remains an elite two-way force. The Lakers need AD playing like a superstar if they are going to qualify for the playoffs and make a deep run. His outside shooting is not there, but Davis has otherwise been fantastic on both ends.
Anthony Davis and LeBron James cannot win a championship by themselves. The Lakers' supporting cast has let them down this season. Injuries have played a role, but the talent around them has simply not been good enough consistently. Davis has been far from the problem as he heads to his ninth All-Star appearance.