Since he was a doubtful rookie prospect, Los Angeles Lakers player Anthony Davis has come a long way.
Entering his 12th season, the eight-time NBA All-Star, thirty years old, has transformed into a larger, more muscular man.
In 2012, Davis was selected by the New Orleans Hornets with the first overall pick to enter the NBA.
At six feet nine inches and 221 pounds, he joined the league.
After leading the league in blocks three times as a rookie and averaging 13.5 points per game, Davis was selected for the All-Star game six times in a row while playing for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Following his first NBA championship alongside LeBron James during the 2020 COVID bubble, the Kentucky native joined the Lakers in 2019.
Conversely, over the past three seasons, Davis has participated in fewer than 60 games.
The big man gained weight in the offseason and carried it into the season.
On social media, the Lakers posted pictures of Davis working out in the gym.
He was observed performing pull-ups and weightlifting.
Davis seemed to be physically strong; his arms and biceps seemed larger than they had ever been.
Last season, he was weighed in at 253 pounds and measured six feet ten inches.
Davis’ incredible physical transformation seems to have contributed to his ability to play through the 2023 season thus far.
The Illinois native has participated in 19 out of 20 games.
Compared to last season’s average of 25.9 points per game, he now only averages 22.6 points per game. However, he has made fewer field goal attempts (15.4) than he did in 2022 (17.2).
In addition, Davis averages the second-most blocks per game (2.7) and the second-best free throw percentage (84%) in the league.
Leading Los Angeles to an 11-9 record and the 7th seed, LeBron averages 24.8 points per game.