Anthony Davis' 2021-22: A Season Of What-Ifs

What's up, hoops fans! Let's dive deep into the 2021-22 NBA season, focusing on a player who always seems to be in the spotlight, for better or for worse: Anthony Davis. This season was a wild ride for AD and the Los Angeles Lakers, a rollercoaster of incredible highs, frustrating lows, and a whole lot of "what ifs." We're going to break down everything that went down, from his performance on the court to the injury bug that just wouldn't quit. It was a year that had fans and analysts alike scratching their heads, wondering what could have been if things had just gone a little differently. This wasn't the year anyone envisioned for Davis, especially after the promise of the championship season before. The expectations were sky-high, and while there were flashes of brilliance, the narrative of the season was ultimately dominated by availability and consistency. We'll explore the stats, the impact, and the lingering questions that make his 2021-22 campaign such a compelling, albeit disappointing, chapter in his career. Get ready, because we're about to unpack all of it.

A Rocky Start and Rising Hopes

The 2021-22 season for Anthony Davis kicked off with a mix of optimism and a familiar sense of caution. After the Lakers' early exit in the previous postseason, there was a renewed focus on getting healthy and making a serious run. AD started the season strong, showing flashes of the dominant two-way force that made him a perennial MVP candidate. In the early going, he was putting up impressive numbers, demonstrating his all-around game – scoring, rebounding, and defending at a high level. You'd see him dropping 20-plus points with ease, hitting clutch shots, and anchoring the Lakers' defense. It felt like he was back, ready to lead the charge. The team, despite some roster question marks, seemed to be finding its rhythm with Davis healthy and engaged. He was a crucial part of their offensive schemes, often being the focal point, and his presence on the defensive end was transformative, altering shots and creating turnovers. There was a palpable excitement among the fanbase; this was the AD they knew and loved, the one who could carry a team. His efficiency was notable in these initial games, showcasing a refined offensive game and a continued mastery of the pick-and-roll. The Lakers' early success, at least in stretches, was directly tied to his stellar play, and it painted a picture of a team poised for a deep playoff run. Guys were looking to him, and he was delivering, creating an atmosphere of confidence that had been missing. It was a stark contrast to the struggles that would later define the season, offering a glimpse into the potential that was tragically derailed.

The Unrelenting Injury Bug

Unfortunately, the story of Anthony Davis' 2021-22 season is inextricably linked to injuries. It seemed like every time AD started to find his groove, and the Lakers started to build momentum, another ailment would sideline him. This became the defining narrative of his year, overshadowing any individual brilliance he managed to display. We saw him miss significant chunks of time due to various issues, from knee problems to ankle sprains, and most notably, a foot injury that proved particularly stubborn. It was incredibly frustrating for everyone involved – the player, the team, and especially the fans who were desperate to see him on the court consistently. His absence wasn't just a statistical loss; it disrupted the team's chemistry, their offensive flow, and their defensive identity. The Lakers struggled to find a consistent rhythm without their star big man, and opponents often exploited his absence. Each injury report felt like a punch to the gut for a team already battling inconsistency. You could see the impact immediately: the defense would falter, the offense would become predictable, and the margin for error, which was already slim, would vanish entirely. The medical staff worked tirelessly, and AD himself put in the effort to rehab, but the recurring nature of these issues was a constant source of anxiety. This wasn't just bad luck; it became a recurring theme that raised serious questions about his durability and how the Lakers should manage his workload moving forward. The "what if he stayed healthy?" question hung heavy over the entire season.

Statistical Snapshot: Peaks and Valleys

When Anthony Davis was on the court during the 2021-22 season, his statistical output often reflected his immense talent. His scoring averages, when healthy, remained elite. He was still capable of putting up 20+ points and 10+ rebounds on any given night, showcasing his continued ability to impact the game on both ends. However, the key word here is when. The limited number of games he played meant that his overall season averages, while still respectable, didn't fully capture the dominance he displayed in those appearances. For example, his field goal percentage remained solid, indicating efficiency when he was able to get shots off. His defensive numbers, like blocks and steals, were also indicative of his impact, even if he couldn't sustain it over a full season. But the story isn't just in the raw numbers; it's in the context of his availability. The sheer number of missed games meant that his per-game averages might look decent, but the cumulative impact over an 82-game schedule was severely curtailed. It's like looking at a snapshot of a masterpiece with large sections missing – you see the brilliance, but the full picture is incomplete. This created a statistical anomaly: a star player putting up star numbers in spurts, but ultimately failing to provide the consistent, season-long production that his team desperately needed. The "what if" scenario becomes even more poignant when you look at the per-minute or per-possession stats; they often reveal a player performing at an All-NBA level when he was actually able to play. This dichotomy between his on-court effectiveness and his off-court availability is the core of the 2021-22 narrative for AD.

Impact on the Lakers' Season

The Los Angeles Lakers' 2021-22 season was, in a word, disappointing. And a huge reason for that was the inconsistent availability of Anthony Davis. When he was out, the Lakers looked like a completely different team. Their defense, which is built around his rim protection and versatility, crumbled. Opposing teams attacked the paint with impunity, and the Lakers struggled to generate stops. Offensively, while they had other talented players, Davis's ability to stretch the floor, score from the post, and facilitate from the high post was unique. His absence forced adjustments that often proved ineffective, leading to stagnant offenses and predictable scoring patterns. It wasn't just about him not scoring; it was about how his presence elevated everyone else. With AD on the floor, LeBron James could play more off-ball, Russell Westbrook could attack lanes with less pressure, and the role players could find their spots within a more fluid offense. Without him, the offensive load became heavier and less balanced. The ripple effect of his injuries was immense. The Lakers struggled to gain traction in the standings, constantly hovering around .500 and fighting for a play-in spot rather than a guaranteed playoff berth. Every loss felt magnified, and the constant shuffling of lineups due to his availability created a lack of cohesion and chemistry. This inability to rely on their second-best player was a primary reason why the Lakers fell short of expectations, missing the playoffs entirely and leading to a tumultuous offseason. The team's struggles were a direct consequence of not having their star big man consistently available to lead the way.

Looking Ahead: Lessons Learned?

As we wrap up our look at Anthony Davis's 2021-22 season, the biggest takeaway for everyone involved, especially the Lakers organization, has to be about managing his health and workload. This season served as a harsh reminder that even the most supremely talented players are only valuable when they're on the court. For AD, the focus moving forward must be on consistent availability. This might mean adjusting training regimens, being more cautious with minor injuries, or even rethinking his role slightly in certain situations to minimize wear and tear. For the Lakers, it's about building a team that isn't solely reliant on him being healthy every single game. They need depth and resilience to weather the inevitable storms. The "what if" questions surrounding his 2021-22 season are endless, but the real lesson learned is about sustainability. Can AD maintain his elite level of play while also staying on the court for a significant majority of the games? That's the million-dollar question. The hope is that the experiences of this past season have provided valuable lessons that will shape his career and the Lakers' future. We've seen glimpses of his potential when he's healthy, and the league knows what he's capable of. Now, it's all about putting together a full, healthy season and silencing the injury concerns that have plagued him. The journey continues, and fans are eager to see if AD and the Lakers can turn the page on disappointing seasons like 2021-22 and write a new, more successful chapter.