Continuous Dominance: Has Anthony Davis Truly Revived His "Bubble Mode"?

Anthony Davis’s performance this season has made Lakers fans feel a sense of déjà vu, recalling his dominant "bubble mode" from the 2020 NBA Championship run. In the Lakers' recent games, he has consistently put up impressive numbers, making a significant statement as he starts the season strong. After the Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 123-116 in their second regular-season game, Davis posted another stellar performance, tallying 35 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal in just 38 minutes of play. His offensive efficiency, combined with his relentless defense, has brought early excitement and optimism about the direction Davis and the Lakers might be heading this season.

In the season opener, Davis was equally formidable, helping the Lakers to a 110-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. During that game, he scored 36 points with 16 rebounds, adding 4 assists and 3 blocks in another 38 minutes. With his back-to-back 35-point games, Davis joined Lakers legends Elgin Baylor and Jerry West as only the third player in franchise history to open a season with consecutive 35-point games. Through these initial matchups, Davis is averaging a league-leading 35.5 points per game, ranking him first in scoring, along with 12 rebounds (7th overall) and 2.5 blocks (7th in the league). This early display of dominance brings hope that this could be a revival of his peak form.

Looking back at Davis’s stats from the preseason, his performance indicated that this surge was not a fluke. In four of the Lakers' six preseason games, Davis averaged 21.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1 steal in just 25.5 minutes per game, with an impressive 54.5% shooting efficiency. His last preseason game was also against the Suns, in which he scored 35 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists. Including preseason games, Davis has now hit 35+ points in three consecutive games, a feat he last achieved in December of last season, when he posted 41+20+5, 37+11, and 37+10 in consecutive contests. However, this season, something seems different, with Davis’s early dominance sparking renewed optimism around him and the team.

Under new head coach J.J. Redick, Davis’s offensive role has expanded significantly, with his usage rate reaching 32.2% compared to the past three seasons, where it hovered around 26-27%. This increase in offensive involvement is noticeable, especially in his shot selection and efficiency near the basket. So far, within five feet of the basket, Davis has made 15 of 21 attempts, an outstanding 71.4% shooting rate. It’s interesting to note that Davis has been connecting best with guard Austin Reaves, who has emerged as his primary playmaking partner, especially against the Suns, where Reaves assisted Davis five times, helping the Lakers make crucial comebacks in the second quarter.

This recent wave of form for Davis has reminded many fans of his “Bubble Anthony Davis” phase. During the Lakers' 2020 title run, Davis was nothing short of spectacular. Across 21 playoff games, he averaged 27.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game, with shooting splits of 57.1% from the field, 38.3% from three, and 83.2% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage was a phenomenal 66.5%. In that run, he was a dominant force on both ends of the floor, and his game-winning, buzzer-beating three-pointer in the Western Conference Finals became an iconic moment. In many ways, that period showcased Davis at his most complete, as he demonstrated elite defensive skills paired with an efficient and versatile offensive game.

However, current-day Davis does differ slightly from his "bubble mode" form, especially in terms of shooting from the perimeter. His three-point accuracy has notably declined since 2020, dropping from 38.3% in that playoff run to just 27.1% last season. In the seasons prior, his three-point shooting numbers were even lower, at 25.7% and 18.6%, respectively. Against the Suns in the recent game, he didn’t attempt a single shot from beyond the arc, further underscoring his shift in offensive style. Not only has his three-point shooting decreased, but his mid-range jumpers have also become less reliable. Last season, Davis shot under 40% from 10 feet or beyond, going 125 of 308 on those attempts. Despite this, his exceptional physicality and finishing ability around the rim allow him to maintain high efficiency, and Redick has designed the Lakers' offensive schemes to capitalize on Davis’s strengths near the basket.

While it’s unlikely that Davis will return to the elite shooting form he displayed in 2020, his recent performances demonstrate that superstars can evolve their styles of dominance. If Davis can sustain his early-season output, there’s every reason to believe that he could reclaim his status as one of the league’s premier big men. Lakers fans are already beginning to wonder if this year could finally be the long-awaited "Anthony Davis season," where he fully realizes his potential as the team's leader and focal point.

Expectations were high after the Lakers’ 2020 championship, with many anticipating that Davis would compete for MVP, Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), or even Finals MVP honors in the following seasons. However, a combination of injuries and inconsistent play has kept Davis from accumulating individual accolades since then. Over the past four seasons, he has made only one All-NBA Team (in 2023), despite having a skill set comparable to other top big men in the league like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Joel Embiid. But this season seems different: Davis has a renewed opportunity to showcase his talents, particularly with teams like the Denver Nuggets weakening, the Milwaukee Bucks aging, and Embiid facing durability concerns. If the Lakers can maintain a strong regular-season record, there’s a realistic chance that Davis could make a push for both MVP and the title of the league’s best center.

Of course, it’s worth noting that Davis typically goes through hot streaks during the season, and this recent surge could be another of those periodic bursts. Yet, this year’s run seems to have arrived unusually early and coincides with a new coach, which has created even greater anticipation among Lakers fans. Time will tell if this performance surge is sustainable, but there’s no doubt that a healthy, high-impact Davis could significantly change the Lakers’ trajectory this season. Fans are hopeful that by season’s end, the high expectations surrounding Davis will translate into tangible success, leaving the Lakers and Davis well-positioned for a deep playoff run.