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.
Anthony Davis this season:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 27, 2021
16.7% on threes — worst in NBA history by any player with 2+ attempts per game and 20+ games played.
38.3% on midrange — worst in the NBA by any player with 100+ attempts.
33.1% on jumpshots — worst in the NBA by any player with 150+ attempts. pic.twitter.com/KZ2YEYzEjD
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?