Was Anthony Davis Snubbed As An All-Star Starter?

Anthony Davis has not started and played in an All-Star game since 2020.

As we hit the season's midway point, your 23-23 Los Angeles Lakers find themselves grappling with inconsistency, far from the dominant force many anticipated. Amid the team's struggles, one shining constant has been the stellar performance of superstar Anthony Davis. 

Despite the Lakers' lackluster record, Davis has been the bedrock, displaying consistency, health, and dominance reminiscent of his debut season in LA back in 2019-2020.

Davis has been a standout player, delivering excellence on both ends of the court. He has even appeared as the league's best player on certain nights, putting up impressive numbers and showcasing his versatility. However, despite his stellar season, Davis fell short of clinching an All-Star starting position, securing the fourth spot in the frontcourt All-Star voting.

The trio standing ahead of Davis in the voting—Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, and teammate LeBron James—have undoubtedly had exceptional seasons, contributing significantly to their respective teams' success. While Davis boasts impressive stats with an average of 25 points per game on 56% shooting, along with 12.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.3 blocks in 44 games, the All-Star voting system factors in fan votes (50%), NBA players' votes (25%), and a media panel (25%).

Though Davis may have missed out on a starting spot, it's hard to argue against the credentials of those who secured the coveted positions. The fan-driven voting system inevitably brings popularity into the equation. While Davis might have statistically outshone some starters, the team's success is pivotal in this selection process.

Despite the All-Star starter nod eluding him this year, Davis remains a strong candidate for the All-Star team. The last time he participated in an All-Star game was in 2020. He was last named an All-Star in 2021 but did not play due to injury. This year marks an opportunity for him to make a triumphant return to the All-Star weekend in Indianapolis.

Ultimately, while the recognition of All-Star votes is gratifying, both Davis and Lakers fans undoubtedly harbor greater aspirations—to be the last team standing when the NBA season concludes in June. The quest for championship glory remains the overarching goal. All-Star votes are nice, but championships are better, and AD recognizes that.