Anthony Davis 2021-22: Unpacking AD's Lakers Season
Alright, guys, let's dive deep into Anthony Davis's 2021-22 NBA season. This was a campaign that, for many of us, felt like a constant battle against expectation, frustration, and, let's be honest, the injury bug. When we talk about Anthony Davis in 2021-22, we're not just discussing a player; we're talking about the centerpiece of a Lakers team that was supposed to contend for a championship, featuring a new "Big Three" with LeBron James and Russell Westbrook. Instead, it turned into one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory for the purple and gold, and AD's availability and performance were central to that narrative. This article aims to unpack everything, from the high hopes to the unfortunate realities, and truly understand the impact of AD's 2021-22 campaign. We'll explore his on-court production, the debilitating injuries that plagued him, how he fit into a star-studded but ultimately flawed roster, and what this all meant for his legacy and the future of the Lakers. So, grab a snack, because we're about to break down a season that was anything but ordinary for one of the league's most talented, yet often sidelined, superstars.
The Rollercoaster Ride: Injuries and Availability for Anthony Davis in 2021-22
When we talk about Anthony Davis's 2021-22 season, guys, it's almost impossible to start anywhere but with the injuries. This was a brutal year for AD in terms of staying on the court, and it profoundly impacted not just his individual performance but the entire trajectory of the Los Angeles Lakers. Think about it: a team built around a "Big Three" needs all three stars consistently available, and unfortunately, for Anthony Davis in 2021-22, consistency was a rare commodity. He played in just 40 games out of a possible 82, which is less than half the season. This significant absence meant the Lakers were constantly trying to find rhythm and chemistry without one of their primary defensive anchors and offensive threats. We saw him battle multiple ailments, but the two big ones that really sidelined him for extended periods were a sprained MCL in his left knee in December and a right mid-foot sprain in February.
The MCL sprain, which occurred against the Minnesota Timberwolves, kept him out for over a month, missing 17 games. Just as he was getting back into a groove, looking like the dominant force we all know he can be, the foot sprain hit against the Utah Jazz, forcing him to miss another 18 games. Each time AD went down, it wasn't just a physical blow to him; it was a psychological gut punch to the team. You could see the frustration on his face and in his demeanor, understanding the weight of expectations on his shoulders and how his absence was derailing the team's ambitions. It's tough to build cohesion when one of your foundational pieces is in and out of the lineup so frequently. The team tried to compensate, but Anthony Davis's unique skill set – his ability to anchor the defense, protect the rim, switch onto guards, and score efficiently from multiple spots – is nearly impossible to replicate. Without him, the Lakers struggled immensely on the defensive end, often looking lost and vulnerable. His presence alone deters opponents from attacking the paint, and without that deterrent, teams feasted. This constant battle with injuries truly defined Anthony Davis's 2021-22 season, leaving many fans wondering what could have been if he had managed to stay healthy. It highlighted the fragility of relying on a player who, despite his immense talent, has a well-documented history with injuries. His durability became a huge question mark, casting a shadow over what should have been a triumphant year.
On-Court Performance: Stats and Impact for Anthony Davis
When Anthony Davis was on the court during the 2021-22 season, guys, he was still an incredibly effective and impactful player, no doubt about it. Despite the injury woes we just discussed, AD's numbers still painted a picture of a versatile and dominant big man. He averaged 23.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game. Now, let's break that down. The 23.2 points per game ranked him 15th in the league among qualified players, showcasing his scoring prowess when healthy. His 9.9 rebounds were solid, keeping him among the league's better rebounders, and the 3.1 assists highlighted his improved playmaking, often initiating offense from the high post or passing out of double teams. But perhaps the most eye-popping numbers, and where he truly shone, were on the defensive end. His 2.3 blocks per game placed him third in the NBA, reaffirming his status as one of the elite rim protectors in the game. This wasn't just about swats; it was about altering shots, contesting everything, and being a constant defensive presence that makes opposing teams think twice about driving into the paint.
His shooting splits were respectable, if not spectacular, for his standards: 53.2% from the field, but a career-low 18.6% from three-point range on limited attempts (1.8 per game). This three-point shooting dip was a significant concern, as it often clogged the paint for LeBron and Westbrook, making offensive spacing a challenge. When AD is hitting his mid-range and occasionally stretching the floor, the Lakers' offense becomes infinitely more dangerous. However, his efficiency inside the arc remained high, especially when he was playing as a roll man or operating in the post. Advanced metrics also tell an interesting story for Anthony Davis in 2021-22. He maintained a strong Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 23.5, which is well above the league average, indicating his high per-minute production. His defensive rating was consistently among the team's best, underscoring his critical importance on that end. Even with a reduced number of games, when AD was out there, he was still influencing winning, particularly through his defensive impact. The problem wasn't his quality of play when available; it was simply the lack of availability. Imagining what those stats could have been, and more importantly, what the team's record could have been, if he had played 65-70+ games is where the true frustration lies. He consistently showed flashes of the MVP-caliber player he is, demonstrating his ability to dominate both ends of the floor. His presence elevated the team's ceiling exponentially, making his absences even more glaring for the Lakers' 2021-22 season.
The Lakers' Big Three Experiment and Anthony Davis's Role
The narrative surrounding Anthony Davis's 2021-22 season cannot be fully understood without discussing the grand "Big Three" experiment that ultimately fizzled out. The Lakers entered the season with sky-high expectations after acquiring Russell Westbrook to join Anthony Davis and LeBron James. On paper, it looked like a formidable trio, a championship-contending core. In reality, guys, it was a square peg in a round hole for much of the year, and AD's fit and health were critical factors in its failure. The idea was that Westbrook would provide another playmaker and scorer, taking some pressure off LeBron, and AD would be the defensive anchor and versatile offensive threat. However, the lack of shooting, particularly from Westbrook, created significant spacing issues. Anthony Davis, who ideally thrives in a free-flowing offense with room to operate, often found the paint congested. This forced him into more mid-range jumpers or, worse, made him hesitant, which isn't his natural game.
When all three were on the court, the synergy just wasn't there. There was a constant struggle to establish roles and optimize offensive flow. LeBron still commanded the ball, Westbrook needed the ball to be effective, and Anthony Davis often felt like the odd man out, sometimes settling for less impactful touches. His ability to roll hard to the basket was sometimes hampered by Westbrook's drives or LeBron's post-ups, leading to inefficient possessions. Defensively, while AD was a titan, he couldn't cover for all the deficiencies around him, especially when Westbrook struggled on that end. The constant rotation of supporting cast members, brought in to complement the "Big Three," also didn't help, as AD's absences meant the team rarely had a consistent lineup to build chemistry. Many analysts and fans pointed to the lack of complementary skill sets among the star trio. LeBron and Westbrook both need the ball to create, and while AD is a fantastic scorer, he's more effective as a finisher and secondary creator than a primary ball-handler. This led to moments of brilliance, sure, but more often, it resulted in stagnant offense and defensive breakdowns. The vision of the Big Three with Anthony Davis at its core as a dominant two-way force never truly materialized, largely due to health, but also due to an imperfect roster construction that didn't maximize each player's unique strengths during Anthony Davis's 2021-22 campaign. It was a harsh lesson in roster construction and the delicate balance required to make superstar partnerships work effectively.
What Could Have Been? Legacy and Future Outlook Post-2021-22
Looking back at Anthony Davis's 2021-22 season, guys, it's hard not to ponder "what if?" What if he had stayed healthy for 65-70+ games? What if the "Big Three" had clicked? These questions linger because AD's talent is undeniable, and his potential impact is truly transformative. This season, despite the individual flashes of brilliance, felt like a significant setback in terms of his public perception and the narrative around his durability. Before this season, many viewed him as one of the top 10 players in the league, a two-way force capable of leading a franchise. While his skill level hasn't diminished, the consistent injuries in Anthony Davis's 2021-22 campaign and the years prior have created a shadow of doubt that he needs to overcome. For his legacy, this period is crucial. He's already a champion, a multiple-time All-Star, and an Olympic gold medalist, but the ability to consistently be available and perform at an elite level throughout a season is what truly separates the all-time greats.
The Lakers' 2021-22 season finished with a dismal 33-49 record, missing the playoffs entirely, which was a catastrophic outcome for a team with championship aspirations. Anthony Davis's absences were a primary reason for this failure. Without his defensive anchor and consistent offensive threat, the team lacked an identity and struggled to win crucial games. It put immense pressure on LeBron James, who, despite an incredible individual season, couldn't carry the load alone. The subsequent offseason and the years that followed would be largely shaped by the need to get more out of AD, both in terms of health and consistent elite performance. This season served as a stark reminder of his importance to the Lakers when he is on the court, but also highlighted the team's immense vulnerability when he isn't. Moving forward, the blueprint for success with Anthony Davis always hinges on his ability to be the dominant two-way force he's capable of being. The 2021-22 season, in many ways, was a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for him to manage his body, potentially adjust his play style, and for the Lakers to build a more resilient roster around him to minimize the impact of any future setbacks. His future trajectory depends heavily on proving that 2021-22 was an anomaly, not a new norm, and that he can indeed be the consistent superstar the Lakers need him to be for prolonged periods.
In conclusion, Anthony Davis's 2021-22 season was a tumultuous and ultimately disappointing chapter in his career and for the Los Angeles Lakers. It was a season defined by soaring expectations, crushing injuries, and a team that simply couldn't find its footing. We saw flashes of the dominant, two-way superstar AD is capable of being, with impressive defensive stats and efficient scoring when he was available. However, his prolonged absences due to a sprained MCL and a mid-foot sprain severely hampered the team's ability to build chemistry and perform consistently. The "Big Three" experiment, involving LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, never truly gelled, and Anthony Davis's inconsistent availability was a major contributing factor. This campaign served as a stark reminder of his immense value to the Lakers when healthy, but also amplified concerns about his durability and its impact on his legacy. As fans, we just want to see him healthy and dominating, and AD's 2021-22 season left us wanting so much more, highlighting the fragile line between immense talent and consistent availability in the demanding world of the NBA.
