It’s Time To Rewrite The Narrative On Anthony Davis Being Injury-Prone

Stats say Davis isn't injury prone anymore.

Once known as one of the most injury-prone players in the league, Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis has flipped the narrative in the 2023-24 season, according to HoopsHype:

No star has played more games in the last 365 days than (wait for it) Anthony Davis.

He's at 91 contests in the last year.

Mr. Reliable. pic.twitter.com/kGXUTBHbsY

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) January 22, 2024

A year ago today, the Lakers were 22-25 and on the verge of yet another disappointing season, having sunk $60 million into an ill-fitting veteran backcourt of Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley (both of whom are now on minimum salaries this season). 

Much of that had to do with Davis' inability to stay on the floor, as fittingly, he missed the team's 22nd win 365 days ago. 

Fast forward a year later, and Davis has become iron man, playing through countless injuries whilst taking on one of the toughest two-way roles in the league. 

This stat is especially impressive considering the team's deep playoff run last season, as Davis was more at risk of injury given the quantity and intensity of games he was a part of. 

This stat is truly mind-boggling, as in the past 365 days, Davis has played in 73 games, where he's put up 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game.

In those games, he's also played an average of 36 minutes in each, which would be good for 7th in the league in minutes per game – unprecedented for a big man. 

He'll need to continue the streak to keep the Lakers' season alive yet again, as sitting at exactly .500 entering a game against the Clippers with serious challenges ahead, the team's margin for error is incredibly small if they want to avoid the Play-In Tournament and/or an incredibly difficult first-round matchup.