Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis stirred up controversy recently when he suggested that he hadn’t even shot a basketball since his team’s regular season came to an end.
The decision stood in particularly stark contrast to clips of him partying hard and the noticeable changes his body had already undergone.
Given L.A.’s embarrassing and extremely disappointing 2021-22 campaign, fans were hoping that all involved were already working towards improving for next season. When it came out that Davis was not doing that, they became pissed.
This week, a video emerged showcasing the real reason Davis likely hadn’t touched a basketball since the Lakers’ season concluded.
“Usually when the season’s over, for a month I just let my body heal, and then I’m going six weeks just straight weight training every day,” Davis said at last year’s exit interview.
“And then you get to the basketball part about a month and a half before training camp, but that kind of comes back easy.”
Obviously that lends a bit of clarity to the situation. Whether that will make anyone feel any better remains to be seen, though.
In 2020-21 Davis put up 21.8 points per game – his 3rd-worst numbers ever. In addition, he also put up a career-worst 7.9 rebounds per game while participating in just 36 games.
This past season proved to be only a slight improvement. He averaged 23.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game and played in just 40 outings.
There’s a reason people are getting frustrated.
Obviously there have been a ton of trade rumors regarding Davis in recent weeks. They will only intensify from here if he doesn’t come back strong for 2022-23
Now that’s how you vacation. https://t.co/hg4qLRcrRh
— Game 7 (@game7__) June 18, 2022
One way or another, it feels like next season will be a defining one for Davis. Either he will shock the world, come back strong and help turn the Lakers back into championship contenders. Or he will disappoint again and likely get dealt.
Which will it ultimately end up being?
Time will tell.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
