Anthony Davis 2021-22 Season: Stats & Analysis

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Anthony Davis' 2021-22 Season: Stats Breakdown and Analysis

Hey basketball fanatics! Let's dive deep into Anthony Davis' 2021-22 season and break down all the juicy stats, shall we? You know, the one where the big fella, also known as AD or The Brow, was supposed to take the Lakers to the promised land. Well, things didn't exactly go according to plan, but that doesn't mean there weren't some interesting numbers to dissect. Buckle up, because we're about to get statistical!

Scoring and Efficiency: Points, Points, and More Points (When He Played)

First things first, let's talk about the bread and butter: scoring. When healthy, Anthony Davis is a walking bucket, right? In the 2021-22 season, AD averaged 23.2 points per game. That's a solid number, no doubt. But let's add some context, guys. This was a significant dip from his averages when he was playing alongside LeBron James in the previous seasons. The reason is not because of AD's skills but the availability of both players on the same season. The team was facing many challenges and the overall performance was also affected.

Now, let's get into the efficiency. He shot 53.2% from the field, which is pretty darn good for a big man who takes a lot of tough shots. But here’s the kicker, AD's shooting wasn’t always consistent throughout the season. He would have stretches of absolute dominance, followed by some games where the shots just weren't falling. This inconsistency definitely played a role in the Lakers' struggles. And it's no secret that his injuries played a role in this performance. Another issue was the spacing of the team. AD thrives when he has space to operate in the paint, but the Lakers' roster construction didn't always provide that.

Looking at the free-throw line, AD shot 71.3%. That's an area where he could definitely improve. Free throws are free points, and every point counts in the ultra-competitive NBA. Imagine how much better his scoring average would have been with even a small boost in his free-throw percentage! If you are a fan, you probably noticed that this is one of the areas where he could improve and it will give him many more points.

Injuries also had an effect. Missing games means missing opportunities to score and maintain rhythm. And, the absence of AD from the court had a significant impact on the team's offensive flow. When he was out, the Lakers often struggled to score consistently, as they lacked a go-to scorer to create their own shot. His presence on the court helped the team in many different ways.

Rebounding and Interior Defense: Dominating the Paint

Okay, let's shift our focus to the other side of the court: rebounding and defense. This is where AD often shines. In the 2021-22 season, he pulled down 9.9 rebounds per game. That's impressive, placing him among the league's top rebounders. AD is a beast on the boards, using his length, athleticism, and timing to box out opponents and secure those crucial rebounds.

Speaking of defense, AD is known for his shot-blocking prowess. He averaged 2.3 blocks per game, ranking him near the top of the league. He's a rim protector, altering shots and deterring opponents from driving to the basket. His defensive presence is a game-changer. His ability to protect the paint is one of his most valuable assets, transforming the way opponents approach the basket. Not only does he block shots, but he also forces players to alter their shots, making it more difficult for them to score. This kind of defensive impact cannot be measured in the box score.

However, even with his impressive defensive stats, there were times when AD looked a little less engaged on the defensive end. His intensity could fluctuate, and he occasionally got caught out of position or lost focus. This is a common issue for some players, and something he has been working on improving throughout his career. Consistency on defense is key to becoming a truly elite player, and there's no doubt that AD is capable of consistently delivering that. Improving this aspect of his game will help him reach the heights that everyone expects from him.

Playmaking and Passing: More Than Just Scoring

Playmaking is another aspect of AD's game that often gets overlooked. He's not your typical center who just stands in the paint and waits for the ball. He's a capable passer, capable of finding open teammates, and initiating the offense from the high post. In the 2021-22 season, AD averaged 2.3 assists per game. This number is not eye-popping, but it shows his ability to make plays and facilitate the offense.

AD is a willing passer, often making the right decision with the ball. He can pass out of double teams, find cutters, and initiate the pick-and-roll. While his assist numbers may not be as high as some other playmakers, his impact on the team's offense goes beyond just scoring. His willingness to pass is an important aspect of his game. AD helps create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates. He is also capable of making smart passes, and avoiding turnovers. When AD is engaged in playmaking, the Lakers' offense becomes more dynamic and harder to guard. It opens up opportunities for everyone on the floor, and makes the team more effective.

Injuries and Availability: The Biggest Question Mark

Let's address the elephant in the room: injuries. This was the defining storyline of AD's 2021-22 season. He missed a significant number of games due to various ailments, including knee and ankle issues. Availability is the best ability, right? When he was healthy, he was a force. But when he was out, the Lakers struggled. His absence created a ripple effect. The team had to adjust their rotations and offensive schemes. They missed his scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence.

Injuries have been a recurring issue for AD throughout his career. While he's always been an incredibly talented player, his ability to stay on the court has often been a concern. The impact of injuries extends beyond just the games missed. They can affect a player's rhythm, conditioning, and confidence. It takes time to get back to full strength after an injury. He can come back to the court, and it takes time to get back to his peak performance. This can impact his stats, his effectiveness, and the team's overall success. So, for AD to reach his full potential, staying healthy is absolutely crucial.

Conclusion: A Season of Highs and Lows

So, what's the overall takeaway from Anthony Davis' 2021-22 season? It was a mixed bag, to be honest. There were moments of brilliance, glimpses of the dominant force that we know AD can be. But those moments were often overshadowed by injuries and inconsistent play. When he was on the court, he showed flashes of his potential. But his inability to stay healthy was the biggest factor of all. His scoring, rebounding, and defense were all valuable when he played. His impact on both ends of the court was noticeable.

For AD to reach the next level, he needs to stay healthy, improve his free-throw shooting, and maintain consistency on both ends of the court. If he can do that, the Lakers will be in a much better position to contend for a championship. The team needs him to be the All-Star player that he can be. Without him, the team is just not the same. If AD can stay healthy and play consistently, he can undoubtedly lead the Lakers to another championship run.

This season was a learning experience for AD. He learned the importance of staying healthy. He also learned how to improve his game. The Lakers hope that AD can bounce back next season and show everyone that he is still one of the best players in the league. Now it is up to him to bounce back and show the league what he is made of.

The Future for AD and the Lakers

Looking ahead, the future is uncertain but full of potential for Anthony Davis and the Lakers. The team is going to need him to be the best version of himself to have a real chance at competing for a championship. He will be motivated to prove his doubters wrong and show the world what he is capable of. It is up to AD to embrace the challenges ahead and take his game to new heights. The Lakers' success will depend on his ability to stay healthy and perform at an elite level. If AD can remain healthy and play consistently, then the Lakers will be back in the championship conversation.

Key Takeaways from the 2021-22 Season

Scoring and Efficiency: Averaged 23.2 points per game, but with inconsistent shooting. His presence on the court had a significant impact on the team's offensive flow. When he was out, the Lakers often struggled to score consistently, as they lacked a go-to scorer to create their own shot. His shooting wasn’t always consistent throughout the season. He would have stretches of absolute dominance, followed by some games where the shots just weren't falling. This inconsistency definitely played a role in the Lakers' struggles. And it's no secret that his injuries played a role in this performance.
Rebounding and Defense: Dominated the paint with 9.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. AD is a beast on the boards, using his length, athleticism, and timing to box out opponents and secure those crucial rebounds. His defensive presence is a game-changer. His ability to protect the paint is one of his most valuable assets, transforming the way opponents approach the basket.
Playmaking: Showed flashes of playmaking with 2.3 assists per game. He's a capable passer, capable of finding open teammates, and initiating the offense from the high post.
Injuries: Missed a significant number of games, impacting his rhythm and the team's performance. The team had to adjust their rotations and offensive schemes. They missed his scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence. If AD can remain healthy and play consistently, then the Lakers will be back in the championship conversation. The team needs him to be the All-Star player that he can be. Without him, the team is just not the same.

Ultimately, the 2021-22 season was a mixed bag for Anthony Davis. He showed flashes of his brilliance but was hampered by injuries and inconsistency. The future is uncertain but promising for AD and the Lakers. His success depends on staying healthy, improving his game, and performing at an elite level. Only time will tell if AD can get back to his top performance. However, his talent is undeniable, and his potential is sky-high. He has the chance to prove everyone wrong and become one of the best players in the NBA.