Anthony Davis 2019‑20 Season: Stats, Highlights & Impact
Why the 2019‑20 Year Still Matters
When the Lakers clinched the 2020 championship, most of the conversation circled around LeBron James. Yet Anthony Davis was the other half of that partnership, and his numbers from the shortened 2019‑20 campaign reveal a player who was both a defensive anchor and an offensive catalyst. Understanding those stats helps explain why the Lakers’ title run still feels fresh three years later.
Snapshot of the Numbers
- Games Played / Starts: 56 / 56
- Minutes per Game: 33.0
- Points: 26.1 (career‑high)
- Rebounds: 9.3
- Assists: 3.1
- Blocks: 2.3 (led the league)
- Shooting Splits: 51.2% FG, 33.2% 3‑PT, 84.1% FT
Those figures don’t just look good on a stat sheet—they paint a picture of a player who could dominate the paint, stretch the floor, and still take on playmaking duties when the offense needed a spark.
Offensive Evolution: From Post‑Up to Perimeter Threat
Historically, Davis was known for his low‑post dominance. In 2019‑20, however, his three‑point attempts jumped to 3.3 per game, a noticeable shift that forced defenses to respect his jump shot. That change opened up alley‑oop lanes and made his pick‑and‑roll more lethal. The 33.2% accuracy from beyond the arc might not scream “elite shooter,” but the volume and timing mattered—he often knocked down crucial threes in the fourth quarter.
Beyond the arc, his 51.2% field‑goal percentage remained elite, thanks to efficient finishes around the rim. Combine that with an 84.1% free‑throw clip, and you have a big man who rarely left points on the line.
Defensive Mastery: The Block Machine
Leading the NBA in blocks per game (2.3) is a headline in itself, but the deeper story lies in how Davis altered opponent game plans. Teams were forced to either double‑team him and risk leaving shooters open, or give him breathing room and accept a high‑percentage scoring threat inside. His defensive win‑shares for the season topped 5.0, underscoring his impact on the court beyond mere numbers.
One standout moment came against the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. Davis recorded a career‑high 8 blocks, each resulting in fast‑break points for the Lakers. That performance turned a potentially tight series into a decisive victory and highlighted his ability to change momentum with a single play.
Playoff Performance: Rising to the Occasion
Even though the regular season was cut short, Davis kept his momentum alive in the postseason. Over 21 playoff games, he averaged 27.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. The most memorable stretch was the Western Conference Finals, where he posted a 30‑point, 12‑rebound, 4‑block line against the Denver Nuggets, effectively neutralizing their star center and giving the Lakers the edge to advance.
His clutch shooting was evident in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. With the series tied, Davis knocked down a contested mid‑range jumper that swung momentum back to Los Angeles. The shot exemplified his blend of poise and aggressiveness—a big man comfortable in the paint and at the free‑throw line.
Physical Toll and Resilience
The 2019‑20 season was riddled with injuries across the league, and Davis wasn’t immune. A strained calf in February sidelined him for six games, while a lingering left foot issue hovered during the playoffs. Despite those setbacks, his per‑36‑minute numbers actually rose, indicating that when he was on the floor, his production per minute was among the highest of his career.
His ability to bounce back highlighted a mental toughness that often gets eclipsed by highlight reels. After each injury, Davis returned with a noticeable uptick in intensity, a trait that coaches and teammates repeatedly praised.
How Davis Complemented LeBron
LeBron James and Anthony Davis formed a rare “two‑way” duo: both could score, defend, and facilitate. Davis’s willingness to kick out to shooters stretched defenses, creating more space for LeBron’s drives. Conversely, LeBron’s vision often found Davis cutting to the rim for easy alley‑oop finishes.
Statistically, the Lakers ranked third in the league for assist percentage when both players were on the court, a testament to their chemistry. In games where they both logged at least 30 minutes, Los Angeles boasted a +12.5 point differential, illustrating the tangible impact of their partnership.
Legacy of the 2019‑20 Campaign
Beyond the championship banner, the season cemented Davis as a bona fide MVP candidate. While he finished third in the voting, the discussion surrounding his value didn’t stop at points or blocks—it centered on his versatility and willingness to adapt his game for the sake of the team.
For young big men watching, Davis’s 2019‑20 résumé serves as a blueprint: dominate inside, develop a reliable mid‑range and three‑point shot, and embrace the defensive responsibilities that make you irreplaceable in the playoffs.
Takeaway for Fans and Analysts
If you’re revisiting that season, focus less on isolated stats and more on the narrative they weave. Davis’s scoring surge, defensive dominance, and playoff heroics collectively reshaped the Lakers’ identity. It wasn’t just about putting up 26 points per game; it was about becoming the linchpin that allowed a seasoned veteran and a roster of role players to coalesce around a single, winning vision.