For the Los Angeles Lakers’ star Anthony Davis, fitness has always been more than just a routine—it’s a lifeline, particularly in light of his past injury woes. Last season marked a significant change of pace for Davis, where he showcased his resilience by appearing in 76 games. This achievement wasn’t merely a number; it was a clear indicator of his commitment, as he recorded personal bests in rebounds and came tantalizingly close to his top shooting percentage.
Now, as he steps into the new season, Davis is all about taking his game and his physical state to the next level. During a recent media session, he elaborated on his ambitions for the upcoming season, emphasizing the crucial role of personal growth in achieving team success. His passion is palpable.
“Every single time I hit the court, I want to be aggressive and find ways to dominate,” Davis explained. “It’s my duty to ensure that I’m doing my part to help this team succeed. Whether it’s the regular season or the playoffs, I want to be that leader who carries us when it counts. We can’t put all the pressure on our stars alone.”
Davis clearly understands that it’s not just a game for him; it’s about collective effort, but he also feels a strong personal responsibility. “Of course, everything we’re trying to build is a team effort, but I have to hold myself accountable to elevate my game even higher than last year,” he acknowledged.
As the Lakers look ahead, one key aspect Davis highlighted is the importance of three-point shooting in their overall strategy. His ability to effectively shoot from beyond the arc will be a game-changer for the Lakers this season. In recent discussions, Davis shared how the team’s head coach, JJ Redick, has pushed him to refine his long-range shooting.
“In practice, I take plenty of threes, but coach Redick emphasized that practice shots have to translate into games,” said Davis. He recounted a moment during a session when Redick urged him to shoot more attempts during the game after he had impressive practice sessions. After his display of shooting nine threes in a practice game against the Phoenix Suns, Redick reiterated the importance of taking those shots during live games.
Despite his personal success in practices and being thrilled to see the dynamic between LeBron James and Bronny, the team faced challenges, finishing the preseason with a disappointing 2-5 record. Davis showcased his shooting skills during a preseason game against the Suns, completing 4-of-9 three-point attempts, yet the overall team performance remains a point of focus for improvement.
As Davis embarks on this new season with a clear mission, his experience, both on and off the court, continues to shape his approach to the game. With a deeper commitment to his fitness and a focused mindset, he not only aims to boost his own performance but also contributes to the overall fabric of the Lakers. Through shared hard work and collective grit, he hopes to turn aspirations into tangible success on the hardwood.
