DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 21: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers laughs against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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, Shooting. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Much has been made of Russell Westbrook’s fit with the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that’s culminated in a 12-11 record through the first month of the season. Although his declining jump shot was always going to be a question mark as soon as he was acquired from Washington in the offseason, the Lakers’ spacing issues haven’t been helped by a similar decline in the shooting of all-star big man Anthony Davis.
Although defense may have been the Lakers’ staple during the championship season, Davis was equally as superb on the offensive end. Throughout the 2020 playoffs, the 28-year-old put up 27.7 points per game on incredible percentages of 57.1% from the floor, 38.3% from three-point range, and 83.2% from the free-throw line.
Los Angeles Lakers should be worried about Anthony Davis shooting numbers
Since then, Davis’ shooting numbers from outside the restricted area have taken a disturbing downwards trajectory. The three-point shot has fallen from 33% across his first season with the Lakers, to 26% last season, to a measly 19.6% so far this season.
It’s more than just the outside shot that’s appearing to hurt his game. Although his name and history alone may force defenses into guarding him beyond the paint, the idea that Davis is a knockdown mid-range shooter simply isn’t true at this point.
He shot 44.4% (76-171) from 8-16 feet last season, reduced to just 32.4% (24-74) this season. His free throw shooting is also down, a career-best 85% in the championship season reducing to 74% last season and 73.1% through 21 games this season.
What does it mean for the Los Angeles Lakers as a team?
Although defense may have been</a> the Lakers’ staple during the championship season, Davis was equally as superb on the offensive end. Throughout the 2020 playoffs, the 28-year-old put up 27.7 points per game on incredible percentages of 57.1% from the floor, 38.3% from three-point range, and 83.2% from the free-throw line.</p>
<h2>Los Angeles Lakers should be worried about Anthony Davis shooting numbers</h2>
<p>Since then, Davis’ shooting numbers from outside the restricted area have taken a disturbing downwards trajectory. The three-point shot has fallen from 33% across his first season with the Lakers, to 26% last season, to a measly 19.6% so far this season.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anthony Davis this season:</p>
<p>16.7% on threes — worst in NBA history by any player with 2+ attempts per game and 20+ games played.</p>
<p>38.3% on midrange — worst in the NBA by any player with 100+ attempts.</p>
<p>33.1% on jumpshots — worst in the NBA by any player with 150+ attempts. <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/12/01/los-angeles-lakers-anthony-davis-shooting/"https://t.co/KZ2YEYzEjD">pic.twitter.com/KZ2YEYzEjD
<p>— StatMuse (@statmuse) <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/12/01/los-angeles-lakers-anthony-davis-shooting/"https://twitter.com/statmuse/status/1464657680178421760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>November 27, 2021</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/12/01/los-angeles-lakers-anthony-davis-shooting/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>It’s more than just the outside shot that’s appearing to hurt his game. Although his name and history alone may force defenses into guarding him beyond the paint, the idea that Davis is a knockdown mid-range shooter simply isn’t true at this point.</p>
<p>He shot 44.4% (76-171) from 8-16 feet last season, reduced to just 32.4% (24-74) this season. His free throw shooting is also down, a career-best 85% in the championship season reducing to 74% last season and 73.1% through 21 games this season.</p>
<p>What does it mean for the Los Angeles Lakers as a team?</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/12/01/los-angeles-lakers-anthony-davis-shooting/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Lack of identity </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-438086" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/12/01/los-angeles-lakers-anthony-davis-shooting/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2027,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1236152920.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis" width="3200" height="2027" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1236152920.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1236152920-768x486.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">SAN ANTONIO, TX – OCTOBER 26: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers hugs teammate Anthony Davis #3 at the end of the game at AT&T Center on October 26, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. The Lakers won 125-121 in overtime. 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 Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Los Angeles Lakers should be worried about Anthony Davis shooting numbers: Lack of identity</h2>
<p>Firstly, their struggles offensively can be partially attributed to a complete lack of continuity. Russell Westbrook has been the one constant in their starting lineup, with Davis switching between power forward or center depending on whether Frank Vogel wants to go with DeAndre Jordan or a wing.</p>
<p>With LeBron James having missed games throughout the early part of the season, Vogel has had to experiment with different starting lineups. Kent Bazemore began the season as a starter but has been a shell of the 40% three-point shooter he was with the Warriors last season, so much so that he’s now right out of the rotation.</p>
<p>We’ve seen Wayne Ellington and/or Carmelo Anthony starting if Vogel wants more shooting, or Avery Bradley if he wants more defense. We also saw Talen Horton-Tucker briefly come into the starting lineup shortly after coming back from his own injury. With Davis off the floor, we even saw James at center for portions of their win over the Pistons.</p>
<p>It means that the Lakers don’t really have an identity at this point. They’re currently 22nd in defensive rating and 16th in offensive rating, indicative of Vogel’s failed attempts to implement a lineup conducive to at least one side of the ball. To make matters worse, James has now entered into health and safety protocols, adding more disruption to an already unsettled team.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/12/01/los-angeles-lakers-anthony-davis-shooting/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Where to go from here </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-439012" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/12/01/los-angeles-lakers-anthony-davis-shooting/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1354873772.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1354873772.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1354873772-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Los Angeles Lakers should be worried about Anthony Davis shooting numbers: Where to go from here</h2>
<p>One thing is for certain; if Davis’ shooting struggles continue, along with Westbrook’s, you can’t possibly play them together next to a genuine big, at least not against an even half-competent team.</p>
<p>Even those two alone fly directly against the way James has always played his best basketball – as a primary ball-handler attacking the rim, collapsing defenses, and providing wide-open opportunities to his teammates.</p>
<p>Ultimately, this isn’t a total shock. It was always the biggest question mark once Westbrook, a lead ball-handler, was acquired in place of catch and shoot types like Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.</p>
<p>Although Westbrook’s jump shot has been in decline over recent seasons, the Lakers may have hoped Davis’ would return to somewhere near the heights of the bubble.</p>
<p>Should he continue to take them given his struggles, or should he primarily play as a more traditional big man? <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/12/01/los-angeles-lakers-anthony-davis-shooting/"https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2021/11/29/22808159/anthony-davis-stop-shooting-threes-stats-percentages-history-lakers-frank-vogel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The man himself has told the media</a> he’ll continue to take the three.</p>
<blockquote><p>“I’m going to continue to shoot the ball from three. Whether it goes in or not, I think that opens up the floor for my teammates.”</p></blockquote>
<p>That’s likely the right approach, but either way, the Los Angeles Lakers have a serious challenge to find their fluidity and become the championship contenders most expected.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Rumors - Frank Vogel is on the hot seat with the Lakers" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/27/nba-rumors-frank-vogel-lakers/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/12/01/los-angeles-lakers-anthony-davis-shooting/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/27/nba-rumors-frank-vogel-lakers/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Rumors - Frank Vogel is on the hot seat with the Lakers </a> </div>
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