Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis is one of the best defenders in the NBA. Since getting drafted in 2012, Davis has built a reputation as a top rim protector. However, he has never won Defensive Player of the Year and had some issues with it in an interview with Fox Sports on Tuesday.
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Davis is averaging 2.0 blocks, which is his usual number when protecting the tin. He has, however, averaged more blocks in the past seasons; in his third year, he even averaged 2.9 blocks. Even with that, he wasn’t awarded the defensive title.
In the interview with Fox Sports, Davis said he isn’t sure why he hasn’t been considered to win the award.
“I couldn’t even tell you,” Davis said. “I think the goal post just moves sometimes. Some guys throughout the years have been awarded Defensive Player of the Year because they had the most blocks in a season. I’ve done that a couple of times and haven’t gotten it. Or is it about team defense? Or is it about individual defense and what numbers do you have on the defensive end?”
“There’s nothing that I can’t do defensively. I can switch one-through-five. I’m one of the best at guarding pick-and-rolls, an elite rim protector. Whatever you need me to do defensively, I can do. I honestly just stopped caring about it. But I’m not sure why I haven’t received one yet, even though I’m in a conversation about it every year. “
Anthony Davis doesn’t understand why he hasn’t won Defensive Player of the Year in his career
"There's nothing that I can't do defensively. I can switch one-through-five. I'm one of the best at guarding pick-and-rolls, an elite rim protector. Whatever you need me to do… pic.twitter.com/yeQLCsRc9E
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 2, 2024
As he’s continuously getting snubbed for winning the award, he’s set his eyes on earning a different trophy. Early this season, Lakers head coach JJ Redick wants Davis to focus on winning the regular season MVP award. Fortunately, the nine-time All-Star has started to play as if he deserves the accolade.
In 19 games played, Davis is averaging 28.6 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
Lakers big man believes he would’ve blocked Collin Sexton if the Jazz didn’t call a timeout
On Sunday, the Lakers had a 105-104 win over the Utah Jazz. The 4-16 team had a chance to win the game with Collin Sexton’s layup late in the fourth period. However, head coach Will Hardy called a timeout, which ruled out the made basket from Sexton. Davis, who was protecting the paint, said he could’ve blocked the shot if the timeout wasn’t called.
“We were only up one so it wasn’t like we could take away the 3 or the 2. We wanted to take away everything. Collin got downhill and I was actually going for a block but I heard the whistle so I stopped. He ended up making it but I don’t know if he would’ve made it. I probably would’ve blocked it. I don’t know, their coach saw something,” Davis said.
Anthony Davis discusses the Lakers' performance down the stretch and the final minute of the game. pic.twitter.com/ej6X2HmtN7
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) December 2, 2024
Fortunately, the Lakers survived the game. Against the Jazz, AD had 33 points, 11 rebounds and a block.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
