When JJ Redick took the helm as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, he made it clear that enhancing the team’s 3-point shooting would be a top priority. The Lakers struggled with their long-range shooting during the 2023-24 season, ranking near the bottom of the league in 3-point percentage. Hiring a coach with a strong analytical background and expertise in 3-point shooting seemed a strategic move to address these issues.
Among the players benefiting most from this coaching shift is star big man Anthony Davis, who is enjoying a career-best season in several respects. As of Monday, Davis is averaging an impressive 31.1 points per game, with shooting percentages of 56.1% from the field, 42.9% from beyond the arc, and 79.8% from the free-throw line.
To illustrate his progress, Davis made only 27.1% of his 3-point attempts in the previous season. His best performance from long range came in the 2017-18 season with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he shot 34%. This season, he is averaging 2.3 successful 3-pointers per game—slightly below his career high—but his efficiency marks a significant improvement.
Davis has been selective about his 3-point attempts, focusing on shots primarily from the middle of the court and the left-center area, where he is shooting 50% and 46.2%, respectively. However, he has struggled on the right side, making just 1 of 4 attempts, and he has yet to convert a corner 3-pointer.
The emphasis for Davis has not solely been on the results but also on the process he employs to enhance his shooting efficiency.
In other Lakers news, the team is set to honor Hall of Famer Pat Riley with a statue at Star Plaza, recognizing his six championships with the franchise as both a player and coach.
Additionally, the Lakers are gaining attention in the league’s power rankings, with the Houston Rockets making a strong entrance into the Top 5, while Cleveland and Golden State continue to lead. The Lakers are also showcasing their tradition of excellence with the release of their 2024-25 City Edition uniform.
On the MVP front, reigning champion Nikola Jokić has reclaimed the top spot in the Kia MVP Ladder, averaging a triple-double in the early stages of the season.
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