Anthony Davis' 2021-22 Season Stats & Analysis

What's up, hoop heads! Let's dive deep into the Anthony Davis 2021-22 stats and see what went down for AD during that particular season. You know, the one right after the Lakers won the chip. It was a season that, for many, was a bit of a mixed bag, full of flashes of brilliance but also plagued by some frustrating inconsistency and, of course, the injury bug. We're gonna break down his numbers, look at where he excelled, where things maybe didn't go as planned, and what it all means for the Lakers' trajectory at the time. So, buckle up, guys, because we're about to get into the nitty-gritty of AD's performance. It's more than just numbers; it's about the story they tell.

Key Performance Indicators: A Statistical Breakdown

Alright, let's get straight to the meat and potatoes: the raw numbers. When we talk about Anthony Davis' 2021-22 stats, we're looking at a player who, when healthy, can still put up dominant figures. He played in 40 games that season, which, let's be honest, isn't a whole lot for a superstar. This immediately tells you that injuries were a major factor. But in those 40 games, he averaged 23.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game. Pretty solid, right? His shooting percentages were also respectable, with 53.3% from the field. However, his three-point shooting was a bit shaky at 18.6% on low volume, and his free-throw percentage was at 71.3%. These shooting numbers, especially from deep and the charity stripe, were a dip from his elite career averages and hinted that maybe something was a little off, perhaps related to the nagging injuries or just a statistical anomaly for that year. The scoring and rebounding were still there, showcasing his elite offensive and defensive impact when he was on the court, but the efficiency in certain areas raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. It's always tough to gauge a player's true impact when they can't stay on the floor consistently, and AD's 21-22 season was a prime example of that challenge. We saw glimpses of the dominant force that led the Lakers to a championship, but those glimpses were too often interrupted.

Scoring Prowess and Offensive Impact

When Anthony Davis was on the floor during the 2021-22 season, his scoring ability was still a major weapon for the Lakers. Averaging 23.3 points per game is nothing to scoff at, especially when you consider the limited number of games he played. He showed he could still get buckets in various ways – driving to the basket, posting up smaller defenders, and hitting mid-range jumpers. However, the real story here isn't just the points; it's how he scored them, and where the struggles were. His 53.3% field goal percentage is good, but it's a tick down from his best seasons, and frankly, lower than what you'd expect from a dominant big man. More tellingly, his three-point shooting was abysmal at 18.6%. This was a significant drop-off and a point of concern for a Lakers team that sometimes struggled with spacing. When your star big man can't reliably hit the outside shot, it clogs up the lane for drivers and makes offensive sets more predictable. It's not like AD was taking a ton of threes, but even the few he attempted weren't falling. This inefficiency from beyond the arc, coupled with a 71.3% free-throw percentage, which is also below his career standard, suggests that maybe he wasn't at 100%. Perhaps lingering effects from previous injuries or the new ones he sustained during the season impacted his rhythm and confidence. We'd seen him develop into a more well-rounded offensive player, capable of stretching the floor, but in 2021-22, that aspect of his game took a backseat, forcing him to rely more on interior scoring and mid-range proficiency. The team needed him to be the consistent offensive engine he had shown he could be, and while he put up scoring numbers, the underlying efficiency metrics told a different story, indicating a player fighting through adversity on the offensive end.

Rebounding Dominance and Defensive Anchoring

Beyond scoring, Anthony Davis' 2021-22 stats also highlighted his continued dominance on the glass and as a defensive anchor. Averaging a cool 10.1 rebounds per game in just 40 contests is elite territory. This shows that even with limited playing time, AD was still a force on the boards, consistently giving the Lakers extra possessions on offense and limiting the opponent's second-chance opportunities. His ability to rebound wasn't just about sheer effort; it was about his positioning, anticipation, and physicality. He was pulling down contested rebounds and securing defensive boards that prevented easy buckets for the opposition. And let's not forget his defensive impact, which is arguably where AD truly shines. His 1.2 steals and 2.3 blocks per game are phenomenal numbers that underscore his versatility on the defensive end. He's not just a rim protector; he can guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and is quick enough to step out and guard perimeter players. The 2.3 blocks per game, in particular, ranked him among the league leaders and showcased his elite timing and athleticism in swatting shots. This defensive presence is what made the Lakers' defense so formidable when he was healthy. He altered countless shots that don't show up in the box score, deterring players from even attacking the rim. The combination of his rebounding and defensive stats paints a picture of a player who, despite offensive shooting woes, was still a massive presence on both ends of the floor. Even with fewer games played, his statistical output in these crucial areas remained at an All-Star level, proving that his impact went far beyond just putting the ball in the basket. The defensive intensity and rebounding hustle are often the bedrock of a team's success, and AD provided that in spades.

Injury Woes: The Elephant in the Room

The most significant storyline surrounding Anthony Davis' 2021-22 stats is undoubtedly the persistent injury issues he faced. It's impossible to talk about his performance without addressing the fact that he only suited up for 40 games. This was a dramatic decrease from previous seasons and immediately impacted his ability to find a consistent rhythm and for the Lakers to build any real momentum with him on the court. He dealt with a litany of ailments, including knee issues, ankle sprains, and a foot injury that ultimately ended his season prematurely. These injuries not only limited his playing time but also visibly affected his game when he was playing. You could see him playing through pain at times, which likely contributed to the slight dip in his shooting efficiency, particularly from the free-throw line and beyond the arc. For a player whose game relies so heavily on athleticism, explosiveness, and agility, a string of injuries can be particularly debilitating. It affects confidence, mobility, and the ability to play with the same physicality. This was a stark contrast to the dominant, iron-man-like performance he put forth during the 2020 championship run. The team's hopes were, and always are, heavily tied to AD's health, and his inability to stay on the court was a massive blow to their aspirations that season. It raised serious questions about his durability moving forward and how the Lakers could best manage his workload to maximize his availability throughout a grueling 82-game season and deep playoff run. The narrative shifted from