How Anthony Davis’s 3‑Point Shooting Stacks Up This Season

When you hear the name Anthony Davis, the first things that come to mind are rim‑protecting blocks and thunderous dunks. Yet the Lakers’ forward has been taking a noticeable number of shots from beyond the arc this year, prompting fans and analysts alike to ask: what do his 3‑point shooting stats this season really tell us? In the first dozen games, Davis has hovered around a low‑30 % success rate, a figure that sits a few points below the league average for big men but marks a modest rise compared with his career numbers. Below we break down the data, explore the context, and consider what it might mean for Los Angeles’ postseason hopes.

Season snapshot: attempts, makes, and efficiency

As of the latest game log, Davis has attempted roughly 70 three‑pointers, sinking about 22 of them. That translates to a three‑point percentage in the low‑30s, which, while not elite, is respectable for a player whose primary role is interior defense. For comparison, the NBA average three‑point percentage sits near 36 % overall, and among power forwards and centers, the average dips to roughly 33 %. Davis’s numbers therefore place him just a shade under the positional norm, suggesting that his forays beyond the arc are neither a liability nor a standout strength.

It’s also worth noting the volume. Earlier in his career, Davis averaged fewer than two attempts per game, but this season he’s been targeting the perimeter at a rate closer to three attempts per outing. That uptick reflects the modern NBA’s emphasis on spacing, where even traditional post players are expected to stretch defenses.

How this compares to Davis’s career trends

Looking back, Davis’s career three‑point percentage hovers around 28 %, accumulated over more than a decade of play. In seasons where he logged 60 or more attempts, his best clip was roughly 31 % in 2022‑23, a year when the Lakers leaned heavily on his shooting to compensate for injuries elsewhere. The current season’s low‑30s therefore represent a modest improvement, aligning with a broader shift in his offensive repertoire.

One factor behind the rise is a change in shot selection. Instead of forcing long twos from the elbow, Davis now tends to step out to the top of the key after a pick‑and‑roll, receiving a quick pass from LeBron James or D’Angelo Russell. This creates cleaner looks and reduces the defensive traffic that typically clogs his previous perimeter attempts.

What influences his three‑point performance?

• Footwork and balance. Davis’s size can make a quick release challenging, especially when he must generate power from a stationary stance. Working on a more fluid jump has helped him get the ball up faster.
• Defensive attention. Opponents often sag off his post, daring him to shoot from distance. When they give him space, his confidence improves, leading to better percentages.
• Shot volume. The more he attempts, the more his rhythm settles. However, a sudden surge can also expose fatigue, which may explain occasional dips in his shooting night after night.

Implications for the Lakers’ strategy

From a coaching perspective, Davis’s evolving three‑point game offers the Lakers a valuable floor‑spreading option. When he steps out, the lane opens up for interior cutters like Austin Reaves, and it forces opposing big men to defend further from the basket, potentially reducing their rebounding leverage.

That said, the team cannot rely solely on his perimeter shooting. At a sub‑33 % clip, each miss can swing momentum, especially in close games where every possession matters. The smart approach is to mix his looks: use him as a threat when the defense overcommits to the paint, but also keep him in his comfort zone near the rim where his efficiency remains elite.

Looking ahead: What to watch for

Three trends will be key as the season progresses. First, the total number of attempts: if Davis continues to push beyond three per game, his percentage may stabilize—or regress—depending on how well he adapts. Second, the timing of his shots: clutch moments often see a dip in efficiency, so monitoring his performance in the fourth quarter will reveal his reliability under pressure. Finally, the impact on team dynamics: if his perimeter threat forces defenders to step out, the Lakers could see a measurable uptick in points per possession inside the paint.

FAQ

Q: How does Anthony Davis’s three‑point shooting compare to other Lakers big men?

A: Among the Lakers’ frontcourt, Davis currently ranks second in three‑point attempts per game, trailing only the stretch‑forward who averages slightly more. In terms of percentage, his low‑30s are marginally better than the team’s primary center, who sits near 28 %.

Q: Is Davis’s three‑point shooting improving year over year?

A: The trend points upward. While his career average sits at 28 %, each of the last three seasons has shown a modest bump, with this season delivering his highest percentage to date.

Q: Should the Lakers design more plays around Davis’s shooting?

A: Coaches are incorporating more pick‑and‑rolls that end with a kick‑out to Davis, but they balance those with traditional post actions to keep his efficiency high. Over‑reliance on his three‑point shooting could backfire if his percentage dips.

Q: What does a low‑30 % three‑point rate mean for a player of Davis’s size?

A: For a power forward/center, a low‑30 % clip is respectable. It indicates he can stretch defenses without being a significant liability, especially when combined with his dominant interior presence.