In his rookie season, Davis quickly demonstrated his potential as a dominant force in the league. Despite battling injuries, he averaged 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. His ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor was evident from the start, and he continued to develop his skills in subsequent seasons.
Davis's second season saw a significant improvement in his performance. He increased his scoring average to 20.8 points per game and led the league in blocks with 2.8 per game. His defensive prowess and offensive capabilities earned him his first NBA All-Star selection in 2014, a recognition he would receive multiple times throughout his career.
The 2014-2015 season marked a turning point for Davis and the Pelicans. He averaged 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, leading the team to the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Although the Pelicans were swept by the Golden State Warriors in the first round, Davis's performance was a highlight, as he averaged 31.5 points and 11 rebounds per game in the series.
Over the next few years, Davis continued to establish himself as one of the premier players in the NBA. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in points, rebounds, and blocks, earning multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive Team selections. His ability to play both power forward and center allowed him to adapt to various playing styles and matchups, making him a valuable asset to his team.
In the 2017-2018 season, Davis had one of his best years statistically, averaging 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. He led the Pelicans to a 48-34 record and a sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. In the first round, the Pelicans swept the Portland Trail Blazers, with Davis delivering a standout performance, including a 47-point, 11-rebound effort in the series-clinching Game 4. The Pelicans were eventually eliminated by the Warriors in the second round, but Davis's playoff performance solidified his status as one of the league's elite players.
In 2019, Davis's career took a new direction when he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Teaming up with LeBron James, Davis became a central figure in the Lakers' quest for an NBA championship. In his first season with the Lakers, he averaged 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, earning his seventh consecutive All-Star selection.
The 2019-2020 season culminated in a championship for Davis and the Lakers. The team navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the NBA's bubble environment to secure the title, with Davis playing a crucial role throughout the playoffs. His defensive efforts and scoring ability were instrumental in the Lakers' success, and he was named to the All-NBA First Team and the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
Following the championship season, Davis faced challenges with injuries, which affected his availability and performance. Despite these setbacks, he remained a vital part of the Lakers' roster, contributing whenever he was on the court. His ability to impact the game in various ways continued to be a defining aspect of his career.
Throughout his career, Anthony Davis has been recognized for his talent and ability to perform at a high level.
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