:Anthony Davis

{{for|other people with the same name|Anthony Davis (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Anthony Davis

| image = Anthony Davis pre-game (cropped).jpg

| caption = Davis with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022

| position = Center / power forward

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 10

| weight_lb = 253

| league = NBA

| team = Dallas Mavericks

| number = 3

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|3|11}}

| birth_place = Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

| high_school = Perspectives Charter {{avoid wrap|(Chicago, Illinois)}}

| college = Kentucky (2011–2012)

| draft_year = 2012

| draft_round = 1

| draft_pick = 1

| draft_team = New Orleans Hornets

| career_start = 2012

| career_end =

| years1 = {{nbay|2012|start}}–{{nbay|2018|end}}

| team1 = New Orleans Hornets / Pelicans

| years2 = {{nbay|2019|start}}–{{nbay|2024|end}}

| team2 = Los Angeles Lakers

| years3 = {{nbay|2024|end}}–present

| team3 = Dallas Mavericks

| highlights =

NBA champion ({{nbafy|2020}})
NBA Cup champion (2023)
10× NBA All-Star ({{nasg|2014}}–{{nasg|2021}}, {{nasg|2024}}, {{nasg|2025}})
NBA All-Star Game MVP ({{nasg|2017}})
4× All-NBA First Team ({{nbay|2014|end}}, {{nbay|2016|end}}, {{nbay|2017|end}}, {{nbay|2019|end}})
All-NBA Second Team ({{nbay|2023|end}})
3× NBA All-Defensive First Team ({{nbay|2017|end}}, {{nbay|2019|end}}, {{nbay|2023|end}})
2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team ({{nbay|2014|end}}, {{nbay|2016|end}})
3× NBA blocks leader ({{nbay|2013|end}}, {{nbay|2014|end}}, {{nbay|2017|end}})
NBA All-Rookie First Team ({{nbay|2012|end}})
NBA 75th Anniversary Team
NCAA champion (2012)
NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2012)
National college player of the year (2012)
Consensus first-team All-American (2012)
NABC Defensive Player of the Year (2012)
USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2012)
SEC Male Athlete of the Year (2012)
SEC Player of the Year (2012)
NCAA blocks leader (2012)
SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2012)
SEC Rookie of the Year (2012)
First-team Parade All-American (2011)
McDonald's All-American (2011)

| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's basketball}}

{{MedalCountry|the {{USA}}}}

}}

Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. (born March 11, 1993), nicknamed "AD", "Street Clothes", and "the Brow", is an American professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Davis, a power forward and center, is a ten-time NBA All-Star and has been named to five All-NBA Teams (including four first-team selections) and five NBA All-Defensive Teams (including three first-team selections). In 2021, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.{{cite web|title=NBA 75th Anniversary Team announced|url=https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced|website=NBA.com|access-date=October 22, 2021|archive-date=October 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020223835/https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced|url-status=live}} He is widely regarded as one of the greatest{{under discussion inline|talkpage=WT:NBA#Discussion on allowing "greatest" in the lead of all NBA players}} power forwards of all time.{{cite web |url=https://hoopshype.com/lists/20-greatest-power-forwards-ever-the-hoopshype-list/ |title=20 greatest power forwards ever: The HoopsHype list |date=November 21, 2021 |publisher=hoopshype.com |access-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205215644/https://hoopshype.com/lists/20-greatest-power-forwards-ever-the-hoopshype-list/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://playersbio.com/best-power-forwards/ |title=Ten Best Power Forwards Ever in NBA |date=May 20, 2022 |publisher=playersbio.com |author=Thapa, Aastha |access-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205215644/https://playersbio.com/best-power-forwards/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.scottfujita.com/best-power-forwards-in-nba/ |title=The Best Power Forwards In NBA History: All-Time Rankings |date=November 10, 2022 |publisher=scottfujita.com |author=Fujita, Scott |access-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205215643/https://www.scottfujita.com/best-power-forwards-in-nba/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/25-greatest-power-forwards-in-nba-history-ranked|title=25 best power forwards in NBA history, ranked|website=ClutchPoints|last=Gumerman|first=Noam|date=October 17, 2024|access-date=October 17, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Bailey |first1=Andy |title=Ranking the Top 50 NBA Playoff Performers of All Time |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10124068-ranking-the-top-50-nba-playoff-performers-of-all-time |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=June 22, 2024 |date=June 18, 2024}}

Davis played one season of college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats, when he was first team All-American and the Consensus National Player of the Year. He also won the USBWA National Freshman of the Year, NABC Defensive Player of the Year and the Pete Newell Big Man Award. Davis led the NCAA in blocks and set Southeastern Conference and NCAA Division I freshman single-season blocked shots records. He led Kentucky to a national championship and was named the most outstanding player of the 2012 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.

Davis left college for the NBA after one season and was drafted as the first overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft by the New Orleans Hornets, and was selected that summer to play in the 2012 Olympics. After his rookie season, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. The next season, he became an All-Star for the first time and led the NBA in blocked shots per game. In 2017, he was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP after setting then-record 52 points in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game. Davis was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019, where he won an NBA championship in 2020 and the first edition of the NBA Cup in 2023. In February 2025, he was traded to the Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić, in what was regarded as one of the most unexpected trades in American sports history.

Davis has won gold medals with the United States national team on their 2012 Olympic team, 2014 World Cup team and 2024 Olympic team. He is also one of only eight players to achieve the basketball Triple Crown.

Early life

Born in Chicago,{{cite news|title=Anthony Davis bio: From Chicago to NBA superstar|date=June 15, 2019|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/nba/la-sp-anthony-davis-bio-20190615-story.html|access-date=September 20, 2021|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407154608/https://www.latimes.com/sports/nba/la-sp-anthony-davis-bio-20190615-story.html|url-status=live}} Davis grew up in the Englewood neighborhood{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Maxwell |date=July 22, 2019 |title='Y'all Should've Told Me Anthony Davis Would Be Here': Englewood's Favorite L.A. Laker Surprises Young Ballers At Nike Rise Camp |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/07/22/yall-shouldve-told-me-anthony-davis-would-be-here-englewoods-favorite-l-a-laker-surprises-young-ballers-at-nike-rise-camp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206064602/https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/07/22/yall-shouldve-told-me-anthony-davis-would-be-here-englewoods-favorite-l-a-laker-surprises-young-ballers-at-nike-rise-camp/ |archive-date=February 6, 2020 |access-date=July 25, 2023 |website=Block Club Chicago}} and played high school basketball for Perspectives Charter School,{{cite web|url=http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/03/29-Anthony-Davis-where-Im-from.aspx |title=Anthony Davis welcomes you to Chicago |access-date=March 1, 2012 |date=March 30, 2011 |work=ESPN HS |author=Flores, Ronnie |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412044120/http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/03/29-Anthony-Davis-where-Im-from.aspx |archive-date=April 12, 2011}} where he had attended school since sixth grade. The team plays in the Blue Division of the Chicago Public High School League, which is ignored by the media because of its lower level of competition.{{cite news|url=http://yourseason.suntimes.com/schools/perspectives/boys_basketball/4459215-393/davis-no-longer-a-hidden-talent.html|title=Davis no longer a hidden talent|access-date=March 3, 2012|date=August 5, 2010|author=O'Brien, Michael|work=Chicago Sun-Times|page=48|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403035511/http://yourseason.suntimes.com/schools/perspectives/boys_basketball/4459215-393/davis-no-longer-a-hidden-talent.html|archive-date=April 3, 2012}} Perspectives is a charter school that operates as a math and science academy; it has a strong academic reputation, but minimal athletic success.{{cite news|title=Spotlight Athlete: A New Perspective; Breakout Season Gives Davis New Outlook|url=http://themash.com/blog/sports/2011/01/27/anthony-davis-a-new-perspective/|date=January 27, 2011|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Reaven, Steve|page=10|access-date=May 18, 2013|archive-date=October 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005011537/http://themash.com/blog/sports/2011/01/27/anthony-davis-a-new-perspective/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2010/12/windy-city-warriors/ |title=Windy City Warriors: Big talent on display at the Chicago Public School Showcase. |access-date=March 4, 2012 |date=December 23, 2010 |work=SLAM Magazine |author=Bohn, Rodger |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114012734/http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2010/12/windy-city-warriors/ |archive-date=November 14, 2011}} The school had no gymnasium and Davis's middle school basketball teams practiced at the nearby Second Presbyterian Church in Chicago's historic South Loop District. In junior high school, he was known as "the little guy who would shoot threes from the corner". He ended his freshman year at a height of {{convert|6|ft|0|in|m|2}}. By the beginning of his sophomore year, he had grown another {{convert|1|in|cm}}, and he finished the year at {{convert|6|ft|4|in|m|2}}.

Davis began his junior basketball season at {{convert|6|ft|8|in|m|2}},{{cite web|url=http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/03/01-Anthony-Davis-IL-MAG.aspx |title=Anthony Davis has come a long way in his basketball career |access-date=March 1, 2012 |date=March 1, 2011 |work=ESPN HS |author=Grimala, Mike |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120180320/http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/03/01-Anthony-Davis-IL-MAG.aspx |archive-date=November 20, 2011}} saying he felt fortunate to have had such a rapid growth spurt without any knee pains.{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/the-magazine/features/2010/12/hell-of-a-life/|title=Hell of A Life: Anthony Davis has learned that climbing up recruiting lists often comes with increased drama.|access-date=March 4, 2012|date=December 28, 2010|work=SLAM Magazine|author=Jones, Ryan|archive-date=April 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405203741/http://www.slamonline.com/online/the-magazine/features/2010/12/hell-of-a-life/|url-status=live}} During his junior year, his family considered having him transfer to one of Chicago's basketball powerhouses, but Hyde Park Career Academy head coach Donnie Kirksey advised against it, saying "If you're good enough, they'll find you wherever you are". Perspectives finished the season 8–15. Although he remained unnoticed nationally and locally after three seasons of Chicago Public League play,{{cite news|url=http://yourseason.suntimes.com/recruiting/4455272-397/davis-joins-dream-class-at-kentucky.html|title=Davis commits to Kentucky|date=August 14, 2010|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=O'Brien, Michael|page=41|location=Online version entitled "Davis joins dream class at Kentucky" revised March 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205093634/http://yourseason.suntimes.com/recruiting/4455272-397/davis-joins-dream-class-at-kentucky.html|archive-date=February 5, 2012}} he was soon thereafter rated as the number one player in the class of 2011 by Scout.com{{cite web|url=http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=4930830|title=Anthony Davis|publisher=Scout.com|access-date=March 1, 2012|archive-date=March 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308112735/http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=4930830|url-status=live}} and was listed in the ESPNU 100.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/110861|title=Anthony Davis|publisher=ESPN|access-date=March 1, 2012|archive-date=June 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610175928/https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/110861|url-status=live}} Attention came when he started playing on Tai Streets' Meanstreets (AAU team) traveling system in the spring of his junior year. In late April, Syracuse University offered him a scholarship.{{cite news|title=Perspectives' Davis getting noticed; At 6–10, Davis getting noticed at Perspectives |date=April 29, 2010 |author=Phillips, Scott |url=http://yourseason.suntimes.com/boys_basketball/2216886,042910-perspectives-basketball.article |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100502060732/http://yourseason.suntimes.com/boys_basketball/2216886%2C042910-perspectives-basketball.article |archive-date=May 2, 2010 |quote=In basketball -crazy Chicago, it's nearly impossible for a potential big-time prospect to go unnoticed the first three years of high school. But by playing for Perspectives in the Public League's Blue-West division, and not playing club ball since eighth grade, 6–10 junior Anthony Davis has remained an unknown. Undiscovered by the litany of talent evaluators and college coaches who frequent Public League gyms, Davis is playing with Mean Streets and has quickly gained recognition on the club circuit. Syracuse offered Davis a scholarship this week and Bucknell, Cleveland State, DePaul and Xavier also have shown interest. In addition, Memphis stopped by Perspectives last week to meet Davis. . .Even with all the attention Davis has received, he will stay at Perspectives for his senior season. 'I've been [at Perspectives] since sixth grade,' Davis said. 'I stayed there for the academic program. I didn't want to leave my team.' |work=Chicago Sun-Times |page=51 |url-status=dead }} That spring, NBA Top 100 Camp Director Dave Telep invited him to the camp based on his dominant first-half performance of the first game of the Fort Wayne, Indiana Spiece Fieldhouse event.{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2010/05/spiece-world-2010-edition/ |title=Spiece World 2010 Edition: Recapping the Bill Hensley Memorial Run N' Slam |access-date=March 10, 2012 |date=May 22, 2010 |work=SLAM Magazine |author=Bohn, Rodger |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123143219/http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2010/05/spiece-world-2010-edition/ |archive-date=January 23, 2012}} In August 2010, Davis played in the Nike Global Challenge in Hillsboro, Oregon. In the opening game, he had 23 points and 9 rebounds.{{cite web |url=http://www.maxpreps.com/news/NvFVH6G0Ed-YiQAcxJSkrA/anthony-davis-justifies-the-buzz.htm |title=Anthony Davis justifies the buzz – MaxPreps News |publisher=Maxpreps.com |date=August 6, 2010 |access-date=August 24, 2010 |archive-date=March 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329235731/http://www.maxpreps.com/news/NvFVH6G0Ed-YiQAcxJSkrA/anthony-davis-justifies-the-buzz.htm |url-status=live }}

Davis verbally committed to Kentucky on August 13, 2010, choosing it over DePaul, Ohio State and Syracuse.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/08/13/amid-controversy-perspectives-joslin-senior-anthony-davis-picks-kentucky/|title=Amid controversy, Perspectives-Joslin senior Anthony Davis picks Kentucky|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=August 13, 2010|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Skrbina, Paul|archive-date=October 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023231152/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-08-13/sports/ct-spt-0814-prep-hoops-davis-commits_1_kentucky-anthony-davis-recruitment|url-status=live}} On August 24, 2010, he became the number one rated player in the national class of 2011 at Scout.com.{{cite news|last=Gardner|first=Tim|title=Anthony Davis lands at No. 1 in Scout.com's latest Top 100 rankings|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2010/08/anthony-davis-lands-at-no-1-in-scoutcoms-latest-top-100-rankings/1|work=USA Today|access-date=May 19, 2013|date=August 24, 2010|archive-date=December 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202194526/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2010/08/anthony-davis-lands-at-no-1-in-scoutcoms-latest-top-100-rankings/1|url-status=live}}

Before Davis committed to Kentucky, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that his father had asked Kentucky for $200,000 in exchange for a commitment from Davis.{{cite web |author=TheBigLead |url=http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2010/08/04/chicago-sun-times-alleges-that-commitment-of-recruit-anthony-davis-cost-kentucky-200000/ |title=Chicago Sun-Times Alleges That Commitment of Recruit Anthony Davis "Cost Kentucky $200,000" |publisher=The Big Lead |date=August 4, 2010 |access-date=August 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100922121720/http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2010/08/04/chicago-sun-times-alleges-that-commitment-of-recruit-anthony-davis-cost-kentucky-200000/ |archive-date=September 22, 2010 |url-status=dead }} The report was initially released on Wednesday August 4, 2010, by Sun-Times reporter Michael O'Brien. Citing "a reliable source", he posted the following text: "Rumors/sources that have Davis choosing Kentucky are also alleging that the commitment cost $200,000." The sentence was later edited to say "rumors that Davis's commitment is for sale have surfaced since he cut his list of schools down about a month ago." The sentence was removed later that day from the Sun-Times{{'}} high school sports website following a threat from a University of Kentucky lawyer.{{cite news|title=Prep-for-sale story draws UK's wrath: Sun-Times takes it off Web site|date=August 5, 2010|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Skrbina, Paul|page=5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100807074033/http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/08/sun-times-recruiting-story-draws-kentuckys-ire.html|archive-date=August 7, 2010|location=Published online as "Sun-Times' recruiting story draws Kentucky's ire"|url=http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/08/sun-times-recruiting-story-draws-kentuckys-ire.html}}{{cite news|last=Skrbina|first=Paul|title=Sun-Times stands by Kentucky basketball story|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/08/06/sun-times-stands-by-kentucky-basketball-story/|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=May 19, 2013|date=August 6, 2010|quote=An attorney representing the University of Kentucky said Thursday the Chicago Sun-Times has yet to respond to his letter of complaint about a story on potential Wildcats recruit Anthony Davis Jr.|archive-date=June 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606153828/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-08-06/sports/ct-spt-0806-prep-kentucky-sun-times-20100805_1_story-kentucky-chicago-sun-times|url-status=live}} Anthony Davis Sr. declined to speak to the Chicago Tribune on August 4 regarding the allegation; on July 30, however, he denied the allegations to the Sun-Times, stating, "We haven't asked anyone for anything, and no one has offered us anything".

The article was reposted on the Sun-Times{{'}} website and included in the print edition on Friday August 6. O'Brien wrote "sources from three separate universities told the Sun-Times that Davis Sr. asked for money in return for his son's commitment, with the amounts ranging from $125,000 to $150,000."{{cite web|last=Brennan |first=Eamonn |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/14364/anthony-davis-sticks-with-kentucky |title=Anthony Davis sticks with Kentucky – College Basketball Nation Blog – ESPN |date=August 16, 2010 |publisher=Espn.go.com |access-date=August 24, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100820100412/http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/14364/anthony-davis-sticks-with-kentucky| archive-date= August 20, 2010 | url-status= live}}{{cite news |last=O'Brien |first=Michael |url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/preps/2571594,CST-SPT-cruit06.article |title=Prep star at center of storm |publisher=Suntimes.com |date=August 6, 2010 |access-date=August 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100909121807/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/preps/2571594%2CCST-SPT-cruit06.article |archive-date=September 9, 2010 |url-status=dead }} The University of Kentucky and the Davis family both threatened to sue the Sun-Times over the article;{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/08/06/attorney-davises-to-sue-sun-times/ |title=Attorney: Davises to sue Sun-Times: Kentucky calls allegations defamatory|work=Chicago Tribune|date=August 6, 2010 |access-date=August 24, 2010 | first=Paul | last=Skrbina|page=5, section 2| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100817200300/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-08-06/sports/ct-spt-0807-prep-davis-update-20100806_1_chicago-sun-times-kentucky-chris-de-luca| archive-date= August 17, 2010 | url-status= live}}{{cite web|url=http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2010/08/05/kentucky-fires-back-against-accusation-it-paid-for-anthony-davis/ |title=Kentucky Fires Back Against Accusation It Paid for Anthony Davis' Commitment – NCAABB FanHouse |publisher=Ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com |access-date=August 24, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100807103336/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2010/08/05/kentucky-fires-back-against-accusation-it-paid-for-anthony-davis/| archive-date= August 7, 2010 | url-status= live}} however, no lawsuits were filed by Kentucky or the Davis family. The Davises and Kentucky claim the restated publication was false.{{cite news|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2010/08/report-attorney-for-anthony-davis-father-says-lawsuit-will-be-filed-next-week-/1#.T1MWL_Xd3xF|title=Report: Attorney for Anthony Davis' father says lawsuit 'will be filed next week'|access-date=March 5, 2012|date=August 7, 2010|work=USA Today|author=Gardner, Tim|archive-date=March 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313033243/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2010/08/report-attorney-for-anthony-davis-father-says-lawsuit-will-be-filed-next-week-/1#.T1MWL_Xd3xF|url-status=live}} Illinois' one-year statute of limitations on libel cases expired before any lawsuits were filed.

Davis signed his National Letter of Intent on November 10, 2010.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/11/10/boys-basketball-national-signing-day-perspectives-joslins-anthony-davis-signs-with-kentucky-family-says-it-still-plans-to-sue-sun-times/|title=Boys Basketball – National signing day: Perspectives-Joslin's Anthony Davis signs with Kentucky: family says it still plans to sue Sun-Times|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=November 10, 2010|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Vorva, Jeff|archive-date=November 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103112130/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-11-10/sports/ct-spt-1111-prep-bkb-davis-signing-da20101110_1_kentucky-sun-times-boys-basketball|url-status=live}} He began his senior season on the Chicago Sun-Times area 2010 Top 50 list.{{cite news|url=http://yourseason.suntimes.com/sports/boysbasketball/4452243-394/top-50-players.html|title=Top 50 players|access-date=March 3, 2012|date=November 22, 2010|work=Chicago Sun-Times|page=57|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301033537/http://yourseason.suntimes.com/sports/boysbasketball/4452243-394/top-50-players.html|archive-date=March 1, 2012|url-status=dead}} He was a pre-season first team all-state selection by the Sun-Times.{{cite news|title=Cut through the crop in one stops|date=November 22, 2010|work=Chicago Sun-Times|page=54|author=O'Brien, Michael|quote=Which players are on the preseason All-State team? Ryan Boatright, East Aurora; Blackshear, Morgan Park; Mycheal Henry, Orr; Jabari Parker, Simeon; Davis, Perspectives MSA. }} By that time, he stood at {{convert|6|ft|10|in|m|2}}. His team's game against Whitney M. Young Magnet High School was nationally televised on ESPNU.{{cite news|url=http://yourseason.suntimes.com/boys_basketball/2969280,1215-young-ihsa-investigating.article|title=IHSA asks Young to explain out-of-district practice|location=abbreviated online version entitled "IHSA investigating Young practice"|quote=Young beat North Lawndale in a home game on Tuesday night and will face Kentucky recruit Anthony Davis and Perspectives-MSA at Chicago State on Thursday. That game will be televised on ESPNU.|access-date=March 3, 2012|date=December 15, 2010|author=O'Brien, Michael|work=Chicago Sun-Times|page=56|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218191705/http://yourseason.suntimes.com/boys_basketball/2969280,1215-young-ihsa-investigating.article|archive-date=December 18, 2010|url-status=dead}} Perspectives finished the season with a 6–19 record.{{cite news|title=No. 1 Benet hits 11 three-pointers in win|date=March 3, 2011|author=Baumgartner, Blake|work=Chicago Sun-Times|page=52|quote=Darnell Fishback scored 19 points to go along with seven rebounds, and the host Jaguars overcame a big game by Kentucky recruit Anthony Davis to defeat the Wolves in a regional semifinal. Davis finished with 30 points, 17 rebounds, six blocks and five steals for MSA (6–19).}} Despite his growth, Davis continued to perform aspects of the role of a guard during the season by bringing the ball up the court and shooting outside shots. For the season, he averaged 32 points, 22 rebounds and 7 blocks.{{cite web|url=http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/davis_anthony00.html|title=23 Anthony Davis|access-date=March 1, 2012|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=UKAthletics.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214042525/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/davis_anthony00.html|archive-date=February 14, 2012|url-status=dead}}

File:20110419 Anthony Davis at Jordan Brand Classic.jpg in April 2011]]

In high school, Davis earned numerous honors for his basketball abilities, including being named to the 2011 McDonald's All-American Game and the 10th annual Jordan Brand Classic.{{cite web|url=http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/02/2011-McDonalds-Team.aspx |title=2011 McDonald's All-American Game boys' rosters announced |access-date=March 1, 2012 |date=February 10, 2011 |work=ESPN HS |author=ESPN HS staff |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721062025/http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/02/2011-McDonalds-Team.aspx |archive-date=July 21, 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/02/2011-Jordan-Team.aspx |title=Jordan Brand Classic rosters selected |access-date=March 1, 2012 |date=February 15, 2011 |work=ESPN HS |author=ESPN HS staff |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110416122809/http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/02/2011-Jordan-Team.aspx |archive-date=April 16, 2011}} He was a first team USA Today All-USA high school basketball team selection.{{cite web|url=http://www.highschoolsports.net/sports/preps/basketball/2011-boys-basketball-all-usa-team.htm |title=2011 All-USA boys basketball: Austin Rivers is player of year |access-date=March 1, 2012 |date=April 21, 2011 |work=HighSchoolSports.net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122112003/http://www.highschoolsports.net/sports/preps/basketball/2011-boys-basketball-all-usa-team.htm |archive-date=January 22, 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/basketball/2011-04-20-allusa-topteams_N.htm|title=All-USA selections head to top teams|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=April 21, 2011|work=USA Today|author=Halley, Jim}} He was a first-team Parade All-American.{{cite news|url=http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/the_inside_scoop/2011/03/boys-basketball-anthony-davis-wayne-blackshear-named-to-55th-parade-all-america-basketball-team.html|title=Boys Basketball – Anthony Davis, Wayne Blackshear named to 55th Parade All-America Basketball Team|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=March 28, 2011|work=Chicago Tribune|archive-date=April 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426234901/http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/the_inside_scoop/2011/03/boys-basketball-anthony-davis-wayne-blackshear-named-to-55th-parade-all-america-basketball-team.html|url-status=dead}} He was also a first team All-American selection by SLAM Magazine (along with Gilchrist, Rivers, Beal, Quincy Miller and Marquis Teague) and Dime Magazine (along with Gilchrist, Rivers, Beal and Myles Mack).{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/dimemag/2010-11-dime2k-sports-high-school-all-american-team/ |title=2010–11 Dime/2K Sports High School All-American Team |work=Dime Magazine |date=May 11, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925151923/https://uproxx.com/dimemag/2010-11-dime2k-sports-high-school-all-american-team/ |archive-date=September 25, 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2011/05/wallpaper-2011-slam-hs-all-americans/|title=Wallpaper: 2011 SLAM HS All-Americans: These preps are #ReadyforPrimeTime.|access-date=March 4, 2012|date=May 19, 2011|work=SLAM Magazine|archive-date=April 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420225944/http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2011/05/wallpaper-2011-slam-hs-all-americans/|url-status=live}} He was a first team selection to the ESPN Rise boys' high school basketball All-American team.{{cite web|url=http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/04/21-ER-All-American-1st-team.aspx |title=2011 ESPNHS All-American 1st team |access-date=March 1, 2012 |date=April 20, 2011 |work=ESPN HS |author=Flores, Ronnie and Doug Huff |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111231164523/http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/04/21-ER-All-American-1st-team.aspx |archive-date=December 31, 2011 }} In the statewide voting for Illinois Mr. Basketball by coaches and media, he placed fourth.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/03/29/mr-basketball-of-illinois-2011-east-auroras-ryan-boatright-rock-islands-chasson-randle-share-honor/|title=Mr. Basketball of Illinois 2011: East Aurora's Ryan Boatright, Rock Island's Chasson Randle share honor|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=March 29, 2011|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Skrbina, Paul|archive-date=August 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826093526/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-03-29/sports/ct-spt-0330-prep-mrbasketball-voting-20110329_1_rock-island-s-chasson-randle-east-aurora-s-ryan-boatright-benet-s-david-sobolewski|url-status=live}} The Chicago Sun-Times selected him as a Class 3A first team All-State selection.{{cite news|url=http://yourseason.suntimes.com/schools/eastaurora/boys_basketball/4433864-393/boat-show-closes-in-east-aurora.html|title=Boat show closes in East Aurora|access-date=March 3, 2012|date=March 18, 2011|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=O'Brien, Michael|page=48|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608172006/http://yourseason.suntimes.com/schools/eastaurora/boys_basketball/4433864-393/boat-show-closes-in-east-aurora.html|archive-date=June 8, 2012|url-status=dead}} The Chicago Sun-Times selected him as an all-Public League selection.{{cite news|title=Here they are – best of the best|date=February 4, 2011|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Travis, Clyde|page=50|quote=This year's group has a player some regard as the best in the state (Morgan Park's Wayne Blackshear), another rated above him nationally based on his enormous potential (Perspectives-MSA's Anthony Davis), the state's top-ranked junior (Simeon's Steve Taylor), and the top-ranked sophomore in the state (Simeon's Jabari Parker). . .Davis, a Kentucky recruit, is a huge talent, averaging 32 points and 22 rebounds. . .Sun-Times All-Public League first-team selections for 2010–11 include Wayne Blackshear (above), Mycheal Henry (top right), Anthony Davis, Jabari Parker and DJ Tolliver.}} The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association included him in the Class 3A/4A boys all-state first team.{{cite news|url=http://yourseason.suntimes.com/sports/boysbasketball/4627007-394/sun-times-preps-notebook.html|title=This & that: High school news and notes|access-date=March 3, 2012|date=April 1, 2011|work=Chicago Sun-Times|page=50|location=Online version title: "Sun-Times preps notebook"|quote=First-team picks included Morgan Park's Wayne Blackshear, East Aurora's Ryan Boatright, Benet's Dave Sobolewski and Frank Kaminsky, Glenbard East's Johnny Hill, Mount Carmel's Tracy Abrams, De La Salle's Mike Shaw, St. Ignatius' Nnanna Egwu, Young's Sam Thompson, Simeon's Jabari Parker, Perspectives-MSA's Anthony Davis and Orr's Mycheal Henry.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130130428/http://yourseason.suntimes.com/sports/boysbasketball/4627007-394/sun-times-preps-notebook.html|archive-date=November 30, 2011|url-status=dead}}

In the March 30, 2011, McDonald's All-American Game, in front of a hometown crowd at the United Center, Davis made his first five field goals on his way to a 14-point, 6-rebound, 2-steal and 4-block performance.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/03/31/boys-basketball-mcdonalds-all-american-game-wayne-blackshear-starts-despite-injury-anthony-davis-shines/|title=Boys Basketball – McDonald's All-American game: Wayne Blackshear starts despite injury: Anthony Davis shines|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=March 31, 2011|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Helfgot, Mike|archive-date=December 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225072343/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-03-31/sports/ct-spt-0331-prep-bkb-mcdonalds-gamer-20110330_1_wayne-blackshear-perspectives-msa-morgan-park|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2011/03/mcdonalds-all-american-game-recap/ |title=McDonald's All-American Game Recap: A record-setting night. |access-date=March 4, 2012 |date=March 31, 2011 |work=SLAM Magazine |author=Crawford, Bryan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405060437/http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2011/03/mcdonalds-all-american-game-recap/ |archive-date=April 5, 2012}} In the April 9 Nike Hoops Summit, Davis led the USA Basketball team to a 92–80 victory over the world team with a team-high 10 rebounds to go with 16 points and two blocks.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/6328690|title=Kentucky's future on display in Portland|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=April 11, 2011|publisher=ESPN|last=Katz|first=Andy|authorlink=Andy Katz|archive-date=June 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610175845/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/6328690|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/news-rumors/other-news/2011/04/usa-beats-world-select-team-in-nike-hoop-summit/|title=USA Beats World Select Team at Nike Hoop Summit|access-date=March 4, 2012|date=April 11, 2011|work=SLAM Magazine|archive-date=October 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019112451/http://www.slamonline.com/online/news-rumors/other-news/2011/04/usa-beats-world-select-team-in-nike-hoop-summit/|url-status=live}} He was named co-MVP of the April 16 Jordan Brand Classic game after posting 29 points (on 13-for-15 shooting), 11 rebounds and four blocks in a losing effort.{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/news-rumors/other-news/2011/04/anthony-davis-and-james-mcadoo-named-co-mvps-of-jordan-brand-classic/|title=Anthony Davis and James McAdoo Named Co-MVPs of Jordan Brand Classic|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=April 17, 2011|work=SLAM Magazine|archive-date=May 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512021639/http://www.slamonline.com/online/news-rumors/other-news/2011/04/anthony-davis-and-james-mcadoo-named-co-mvps-of-jordan-brand-classic/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/04/16-Jordan-Brand-Classic-recap.aspx |title=East beats West, Jordan Brand Classic brings fun close to high school careers |access-date=March 1, 2012 |date=April 16, 2011 |work=ESPN HS |author=Jordan, Jason |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205162547/http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/04/16-Jordan-Brand-Classic-recap.aspx |archive-date=December 5, 2011}} Davis's 29 points was the second-highest point total in the first 10 years of the Jordan Brand Classic, following only LeBron James's 34-point performance.

{{College athlete recruit entry

| recruit = Anthony Davis

| position = F

| hometown = Chicago, IL

| highschool = Perspectives Charter School

| feet = 6

| inches = 10

| weight = 220

| 40 =

| commitdate = 2010-08-13

| rivals stars = 5

| scout stars = 5

| espn grade = 98

}}

{{College athlete recruit end

| 40 =

| year = 2011

| rivals ref title = Kentucky 2011 Basketball Commitments

| scout ref title = 2011 Kentucky Basketball Commits

| espn ref title = ESPN

| rivals school = kentucky

| scout s = 48

| espn schoolid = 96

| scout overall = 1

| rivals overall = 2, 1 (PF)

| espn overall = 1

| access-date = March 1, 2012

| bball = yes

}}

College career

File:John Calipari press conference.jpg for head coach John Calipari.]]

Davis committed to the Kentucky Wildcats, coached by John Calipari. Before his college career began, he was being mentioned as the first overall selection in the 2012 NBA draft.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/6844072|title=Don't forget about Kentucky's Doron Lamb|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=August 8, 2011|publisher=ESPN|last=Katz|first=Andy|archive-date=June 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612134358/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/6844072|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://dimemag.com/2011/11/the-great-debate-anthony-davis-andre-drummond-or-harrison-barnes/|title=The Great NBA Draft Debate: Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond or Harrison Barnes|access-date=March 3, 2012|date=November 22, 2011|work=Dime Magazine|author=Shapiro, Lucas|archive-date=November 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110234048/http://dimemag.com/2011/11/the-great-debate-anthony-davis-andre-drummond-or-harrison-barnes/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2011/07/2012-nba-draft-early-early-top-10/ |title=2012 NBA Draft: Early, Early Top 10: Barnes, Jones and Sullinger ready to make a statement. |access-date=March 4, 2012 |date=July 8, 2011 |work=SLAM Magazine |author=Fox, Jeff |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404140500/http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2011/07/2012-nba-draft-early-early-top-10/ |archive-date=April 4, 2012}} In late February Dick Vitale mentioned the possibility that Davis might complete the men's college basketball awards Grand Slam of National Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year and the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft."{{cite news|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2012/02/holding-court-q-and-a-with-kentuckys-anthony-davis/1#.T1MWLvXd3xF|title=Holding Court: Q and A with Kentucky's Anthony Davis|access-date=March 5, 2012|date=February 21, 2012|work=USA Today|author=Auerbach, Nicole|archive-date=April 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420035004/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2012/02/holding-court-q-and-a-with-kentuckys-anthony-davis/1#.T1MWLvXd3xF|url-status=live}} During the exhibition portion of the season for the 2011–12 Wildcats, Calipari described Davis as follows: "He's 6–10 with a 7–3 wingspan and he can shoot the 3 and dribble the ball and lead the break. . ."{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/38184|title=3-point shot: UK's Davis in class of his own|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=November 7, 2011|publisher=ESPN|last=Katz|first=Andy|archive-date=June 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610175831/https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/38184|url-status=live}} Less than a month into the season, ESPN's Andy Katz described him similarly: "Davis offers a multitude of skills for the Wildcats with his ability to block shots, run the floor, score in the low post and face up to the basket."{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/7305903|title=Pick your poison with UK's Davis, Jones|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=December 2, 2011|publisher=ESPN|last=Katz|first=Andy|archive-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611002159/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/7305903|url-status=dead}} Since Calipari had coached Marcus Camby, who was also a tall shot-blocker, Davis drew comparisons to Camby. ESPN selected Davis as a preseason All-American along with teammate Terrence Jones.{{cite web|url=http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110911aaa.html|title=Jones, Davis Named ESPN Preseason All-America|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=November 8, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=UKAthletics.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225075250/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110911aaa.html|archive-date=December 25, 2014|url-status=dead}} Some sources, such as Blue Ribbon, selected Connecticut's Andre Drummond as the preseason Freshman/Newcomer of the Year ahead of Davis,{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/09/24/college-basketball-anthony-davis-named-to-preseason-all-america-team/|title=College basketball – Anthony Davis named to preseason All-America team|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=September 24, 2011|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Miraski, Benjamin|archive-date=November 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111154350/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-09-24/sports/ct-spt-0925-prep-bkb-david-kentucky-aa-scoop_1_preseason-growth-spurt-college-basketball|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/11/10/north-carolina-should-hit-the-deck-running/|title=North Carolina should hit the deck running|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=November 10, 2011|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Ryan, Shannon|archive-date=January 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130035328/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-11-10/sports/sc-spt-1111-college-ryan-basketball--20111111_1_nba-lockout-vanderbilt-commodores|url-status=live}} although Davis was the only freshman on the ESPN 10-man preseason team.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/preview2011/story/_/id/7206968|title=2011–12 ESPN.com All-America teams|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=November 8, 2011|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418215800/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/preview2011/story/_/id/7206968|url-status=live}} Davis only received one vote for the Associated Press preseason All-America team.{{cite web|url=http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110111aaa.html|title=Jones Named AP Preseason All-America: Davis also receives All-America vote|access-date=March 5, 2012|date=October 31, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=UKAthletics.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107003428/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110111aaa.html|archive-date=November 7, 2011|url-status=dead}}

{{quote box|quote="Anthony is a tremendous shot blocker with great size and length. He can make 3-pointers, dribble the ball and he can get up and down the court faster than some of our guards because of his long, looping strides. He's a different player than Marcus Camby, but he's physically ahead of where Marcus was to start his freshman season."|source=—Kentucky head coach John Calipari|align=left|width=20em|bgcolor=#c6dbf7}}

After most of the pre-conference schedule but before the 2011–12 Southeastern Conference men's basketball schedule, Davis's teammate, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, was mentioned as a possible Southeastern Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/43465|title=Conference Power Rankings: SEC|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=January 2, 2012|publisher=ESPN|author=Brennan, Eamonn|archive-date=April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418215800/https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/43465|url-status=live}} However, after less than a month of Southeastern Conference play, Davis was not only being mentioned as conference player of the year, but also National Player of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/47440|title=Conference Power Rankings: SEC|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=February 6, 2012|publisher=ESPN|author=Brennan, Eamonn|archive-date=April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418192056/https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/47440|url-status=live}} By mid-February, he was considered a National Player of the Year front-runner with his primary competition coming from Thomas Robinson of Kansas.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/7571247|title=Anthony Davis should be POY front-runner|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=February 13, 2012|publisher=ESPN|last=Katz|first=Andy|archive-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611002116/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/7571247|url-status=dead}} As the season progressed, he continued to battle Robinson while developing a college level offensive game.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/50210|title=Conference Power Rankings: SEC|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=February 27, 2012|publisher=ESPN|last=Katz|first=Andy|archive-date=April 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417150023/https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/50210|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/50494|title=Casting our ballots: SEC|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=February 29, 2012|publisher=ESPN|last=Katz|first=Andy|archive-date=April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418064026/https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/50494|url-status=live}} Davis averaged a double-double and 6.5 blocks in the two games (November 15, 2011, and April 2, 2012) they played against each other, both on neutral courts.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320930096|title=(2) Kansas 59 (32–7, 16–2 Big 12); (1) Kentucky 67 (38–2, 16–0 SEC)|access-date=May 5, 2012|date=April 2, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=November 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121182700/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320930096|url-status=live}} Davis led the Wildcats to a perfect 16–0 record in conference play en route to the SEC conference regular season championship.{{cite news |last=Martel |first=Brett |title=Vandy upsets Kentucky in SEC final |newspaper=The Gleaner |date=March 11, 2012 |url=http://www.courierpress.com/news/2012/mar/11/2061lt-ap-bkc-t25-sec-kentucky785-no-1-kentucky/ |access-date=May 7, 2012}} Davis finished the year with averages of 14.2 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game, 4.7 blocks per game and a field goal percentage of 62.3%.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/96/year/2012/kentucky-wildcats|title=Kentucky Wildcats Stats – 2011–12|access-date=May 5, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=November 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122012712/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/96/year/2012/kentucky-wildcats|url-status=live}} The Wildcats entered the SEC Tournament as heavy favorites and defeated LSU and Florida before losing to the Vanderbilt Commodores in the championship game. Despite the loss, the Wildcats earned the number one overall seed in the 2012 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.{{cite news |last=Fly |first=Colin |title=UK claims overall top seed |newspaper=The Gleaner |date=March 11, 2012 |url=http://www.courierpress.com/news/2012/mar/11/bc-bkc--ncaa-kentucky-1st-ld-writethru808-no-1/ |access-date=May 7, 2012}} In the Wildcats' six NCAA Tournament games, Davis averaged 15.2 points, 11.2 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game, and led the team to its eighth NCAA championship.{{cite web|title=Anthony Davis Claims Kentucky's First Naismith Trophy as Men's College Player of the Year |publisher=Atlanta Tip-Off Club |date=April 1, 2012 |url=http://www.naismithawards.com/PressBox/ArticleView/tabid/209/ArticleId/45/Anthony-Davis-Claims-Kentuckys-First-Naismith-Trophy-as-Mens-College-Player-of-the-Year.aspx |access-date=May 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504115519/http://www.naismithawards.com/PressBox/ArticleView/tabid/209/ArticleId/45/Anthony-Davis-Claims-Kentuckys-First-Naismith-Trophy-as-Mens-College-Player-of-the-Year.aspx |archive-date=May 4, 2012}}{{cite news |last=Pells |first=Eddie |title=Kentucky beats Kansas for eighth NCAA title |newspaper=The Gleaner |date=April 3, 2012 |url=http://www.courierpress.com/news/2012/apr/03/bc-bkc--ncaa-championship-4th-ld-writethru1174/ |access-date=May 7, 2012 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109120010/http://www.courierpress.com/news/2012/apr/03/bc-bkc--ncaa-championship-4th-ld-writethru1174/ |url-status=live }}

=Honors and awards=

==National==

Davis was named the 2012 Sporting News Men's College Basketball Player of the Year.{{cite web |last=DeCourcey |first=Mike |title=Kentucky's Anthony Davis is Sporting News Player of the Year |work=Sporting News |date=March 5, 2012 |url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2012-03-05/anthony-davis-kentucky-wildcats-sporting-news-player-of-the-year-march-madness |access-date=March 5, 2012 |archive-date=April 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408140319/http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2012-03-05/anthony-davis-kentucky-wildcats-sporting-news-player-of-the-year-march-madness |url-status=dead }} On March 19, he won the US Basketball Writers Association's (USBWA) Robertson trophy.{{cite web|url=http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031912aab.html|title=Davis Honored as USBWA National Player of the Year: UK freshman adds to growing list of honors following a prolific season|access-date=March 19, 2012|date=March 19, 2012|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=UKAthletics.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225075050/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031912aab.html|archive-date=December 25, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2012/oscar120319.html|title=Kentucky's Davis Wins 2011–12 Oscar Robertson Trophy|access-date=March 19, 2012|date=March 19, 2012|publisher=US Basketball Writers Association|archive-date=November 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102033546/http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2012/oscar120319.html|url-status=live}} The Commonwealth Athletic Club of Kentucky named Davis the Adolph Rupp Trophy winner on March 22.{{cite web|url=http://www.lex18.com/news/uk-s-anthony-davis-wins-2012-adolph-rupp-award |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915102343/http://www.lex18.com/news/uk-s-anthony-davis-wins-2012-adolph-rupp-award |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 15, 2012 |title=UK's Anthony Davis Wins 2012 Adolph Rupp Award |access-date=March 23, 2012 |date=March 22, 2012 |publisher=WLEX-TV }} CBSSports.com recognized Davis as their national player of the year.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/17767925/kansas-robinson-worthy-of-poy-but-kentuckys-davis-is-better |title=Kansas' Robinson worthy of POY, but Kentucky's Davis is better |access-date=March 23, 2012 |work=CBS Sports |author=Parrish, Gary and Jeff Goodman |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401054833/http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/17767925/kansas-robinson-worthy-of-poy-but-kentuckys-davis-is-better |archive-date=April 1, 2012 }} On March 30, he became the second freshman (Kevin Durant) to win the Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7755220|title=UK's Anthony Davis player of year|access-date=March 30, 2012|date=March 30, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=June 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616155617/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7755220|url-status=live}} On March 31, he won the John R. Wooden Award.{{cite web|url=http://www.wkyt.com/sports/headlines/Davis_wins_Wooden_National_Player_of_the_Year_Award_145407795.html|title=Davis wins Wooden National Player of the Year Award|access-date=March 31, 2012|date=March 31, 2012|publisher=WKYT-TV|archive-date=December 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225081346/http://www.wkyt.com/sports/headlines/Davis_wins_Wooden_National_Player_of_the_Year_Award_145407795.html|url-status=dead}} The following day he won the Naismith College Player of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/04/01/anthony-davis-win-naismith-trophy-closes-in-on-awards-sweep/|title=Anthony Davis wins Naismith, closes in on awards sweep|access-date=April 2, 2012|date=April 1, 2012|publisher=NBC Sports|author=Miller, Mike|archive-date=April 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405043348/http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/04/01/anthony-davis-win-naismith-trophy-closes-in-on-awards-sweep/|url-status=live}} He was Kentucky's first Naismith winner and the first from the SEC in 42 years (Pete Maravich).{{cite web|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2012-04-01/davis-honored-top-player|title=Davis honored as top player: Freshman becomes first Naismith Player of the Year for UK|access-date=April 2, 2012|date=April 1, 2012|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518020646/http://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2012-04-01/davis-honored-top-player|archive-date=May 18, 2012|url-status=dead}}

Davis was named to the 2012 Sporting News All-American first team. He was also named first team All-American by the United States Basketball Writers Association.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2012/allamerica120312.html|title=USBWA Names 2011–12 All-Americans|access-date=March 12, 2012|date=March 12, 2012|publisher=United States Basketball Writers Association|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107172312/http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2012/allamerica120312.html|url-status=live}} On March 20, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) chose him as a first team All-American.{{cite web|url=http://www.nabc.org/NABC_Releases/releases/2011-12_NABC_Releases/2012_NABC_Coaches-_Division_I_All-America_release|title=National Association of Basketball Coaches Announces 2012 NABC Coaches' Division I All-America Teams|access-date=March 20, 2012|date=March 20, 2012|publisher=National Association of Basketball Coaches|archive-date=December 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225073303/http://www.nabc.org/NABC_Releases/releases/2011-12_NABC_Releases/2012_NABC_Coaches-_Division_I_All-America_release|url-status=dead}} Davis was a CBSSports.com first team All-American. Davis was named a first team Associated Press All-American, making him a unanimous first team All-American selection.{{cite web|url=http://washingtonexaminer.com/sports/2012/03/2011-12-ap-all-america-teams/408371 |title=2011–12 AP All-America Teams |access-date=March 26, 2012 |date=March 26, 2012 |work=Washington Examiner }}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/all_america.html|title=NCAA College Basketball AP All-America Teams|work=basketball-reference.com|access-date=September 25, 2018|archive-date=September 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904083510/http://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/all_america.html|url-status=live}}

During the 2012 NCAA Tournament, Davis was selected to the NCAA South Regional All-Tournament Team. Then, in the 2012 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament final four, he posted 18 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks against Louisville.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320910096|title=(4) Louisville 61 (30–10, 10–8 Big East); (1) Kentucky 69 (37–2, 16–0 SEC)|access-date=April 1, 2012|date=March 31, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=August 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809065651/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320910096|url-status=live}} In the championship game, he had 16 rebounds, 6 blocks, 5 assists, 3 steals and 6 points against Kansas. He won the NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player and was selected to that All-Tournament team.{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/basketball/ncaa/mens-tournament/2012/04/03/anthony.davis.most.outstanding.player.ap/index.html |title=Kentucky's Davis selected Most Outstanding Player of Final Four |access-date=April 3, 2012 |date=April 3, 2012 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406053951/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/basketball/ncaa/mens-tournament/2012/04/03/anthony.davis.most.outstanding.player.ap/index.html |archive-date=April 6, 2012 }} He was the fourth freshman to win the Most Outstanding Player award.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=320930096|title=Kentucky holds off Kansas to win eighth national title|access-date=April 3, 2012|date=April 2, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=April 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420144446/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=320930096|url-status=dead}}

Davis was named the USBWA National Freshman of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2012/tisdale120313.html|title=Kentucky's Davis Wins 2012 Wayman Tisdale Award|access-date=March 13, 2012|date=March 13, 2012|publisher=US Basketball Writers Association|archive-date=April 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413141437/http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2012/tisdale120313.html|url-status=live}} He was selected by the USBWA as the Player of the Year for its 10-man 2011–12 Men's All-District IV (Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida) Team.{{cite web| url=http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2012/alldistrict120306.html| publisher=US Basketball Writers Association| title=USBWA Names 2011–12 Men's All-District Teams| access-date=March 6, 2012| date=March 6, 2012| archive-date=March 8, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308172509/http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2012/alldistrict120306.html| url-status=live}} Davis was a first team selection to the NABC Division I All-District 21 team on March 14.{{cite web| url=http://www.nabc.com/NABC_Releases/releases/2011-12_NABC_Releases/2012_NABC_Division_I_All-District_teams.pdf| publisher=National Association of Basketball Coaches| title=National Association of Basketball Coaches Announces 2012 Division I All-District Teams| access-date=March 14, 2012| date=March 14, 2012| archive-date=March 4, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304171925/http://nabc.com/nabc_releases/releases/2011-12_nabc_releases/2012_nabc_division_i_all-district_teams.pdf| url-status=dead}} On April 1, he was also awarded the Pete Newell Big Man Award and the NABC Defensive Player of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120401/SPORTS13/304010056/Kentucky-s-Anthony-Davis-nearly-sweeps-national-awards?|title=Anthony Davis all but cleans up on national awards: Misses out on NABC Player of the Year|access-date=April 2, 2012|date=April 1, 2012|work=The Courier-Journal|author=Tucker, Kyle}} CollegeInsider.com recognized him with the Lefty Driesell Award as Defensive Player of the Year and the Kyle Macy Award as Freshman of the Year.{{Cite web|title=Insells experienced UK's run together |publisher=DNJ.com |date=March 31, 2011 |url=http://www.dnj.com/article/20120401/BLUERAIDERS03/304010029 |access-date=April 2, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

==Conference==

File:Anthony Davis dunk.JPG

Davis twice earned SEC Player of the Week (POTW) honors (Week of February 6 and 27, 2012){{cite web|url=http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/Admin/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/231136/sec-mens-hoops-players-of-the-week.aspx|title=SEC Men's Hoops Players Of The Week|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=February 6, 2012|publisher=Southeastern Conference and XOS Digital.|website=secdigitalnetwork.com|archive-date=June 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604035927/http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/Admin/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/231136/sec-mens-hoops-players-of-the-week.aspx|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/231951/sec-mens-hoops-players-of-the-week.aspx|title=SEC Men's Hoops Players Of The Week|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=February 27, 2012|publisher=Southeastern Conference and XOS Digital.|website=secdigitalnetwork.com|archive-date=March 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307002931/http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/231951/sec-mens-hoops-players-of-the-week.aspx|url-status=live}} and four times, when he was not Player of the Week, he earned SEC Freshman of the Week (FOTW) honors (November 14, 2011, February 1, 2012, January 16, 2012, and May 3, 2012).{{cite web|url=http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/229393/sec-mens-basketball-players-of-the-week.aspx|title=SEC Men's Basketball Players Of The Week|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=November 14, 2011|publisher=Southeastern Conference and XOS Digital.|website=secdigitalnetwork.com|archive-date=June 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604035621/http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/229393/sec-mens-basketball-players-of-the-week.aspx|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/230289/sec-mens-hoops-players-of-the-week.aspx|title=SEC Men's Hoops Players Of The Week|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=January 2, 2012|publisher=Southeastern Conference and XOS Digital.|website=secdigitalnetwork.com|archive-date=January 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108044057/http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/230289/sec-mens-hoops-players-of-the-week.aspx|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/Admin/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/230542/sec-mens-hoops-players-of-the-week.aspx|title=SEC Men's Hoops Players Of The Week|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=January 2, 2012|publisher=Southeastern Conference and XOS Digital.|website=secdigitalnetwork.com|archive-date=June 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604040510/http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/Admin/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/230542/sec-mens-hoops-players-of-the-week.aspx|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/232287/sec-mens-hoops-players-of-the-week.aspx|title=SEC Men's Hoops Players Of The Week|access-date=March 5, 2012|date=March 5, 2012|publisher=Southeastern Conference and XOS Digital.|website=secdigitalnetwork.com|archive-date=June 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604035559/http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/232287/sec-mens-hoops-players-of-the-week.aspx|url-status=live}} He earned his first FOTW honor for debuting with a double-double, including 23 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks and 3 assists against Marist on November 11, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=313150096|title=Marist 58 (0–1, 0–1 away), (2) Kentucky 108 (1–0, 1–0 home)|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=November 14, 2011|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201120214/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=313150096|url-status=live}} Only Jones and Sam Bowie had previously had 20 or more points and 10 or more rebounds in their Kentucky Freshman debut.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=313150096|title=Anthony Davis' big debut leads Kentucky in easy opener|access-date=March 3, 2012|date=November 14, 2011|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201175052/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=313150096|url-status=dead}} His second FOTW came in a week in which he averaged 14.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, six blocks, 1.5 steals and 1 assist in wins over Lamar and fourth-rated Louisville.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=313620096|title=Lamar 64 (8–5, 3–5 away), (3) Kentucky 86 (12–1, 9–0 home)|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=December 28, 2011|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201224127/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=313620096|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=313650096|title=(4) Louisville 62 (12–2, 0–1 Big East), (3) Kentucky 69 (13–1, 10–0 home)|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=December 31, 2011|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214014522/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=313650096|url-status=live}} His third FOTW award came when he averaged 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2.5 steals and 2 assists in wins at Auburn and at Tennessee where both his point totals were game highs.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320110002|title=(2) Kentucky 68 (16–1, 2–0 SEC), Auburn 53 (10–6, 0–2 SEC)|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=January 11, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201224201/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320110002|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320142633|title=(2) Kentucky 65 (17–1, 3–0 SEC), Tennessee 62 (8–9, 1–2 SEC)|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=January 14, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201224215/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320142633|url-status=live}} He earned his fourth FOTW when he averaged 15.5 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks in wins over Georgia and at Florida.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320610096|title=Georgia 49 (13–16, 4–11 SEC); (1) Kentucky 79 (29–1, 15–0 SEC)|access-date=March 5, 2012|date=March 1, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201224203/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320610096|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320640057|title=(1) Kentucky 74 (30–1, 16–0 SEC); (13) Florida 59 (22–9, 10–6 SEC)|access-date=March 5, 2012|date=March 4, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201224107/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320640057|url-status=live}} He earned his first POTW recognition for averaging 20 points, eight rebounds, 7.5 blocks and 2 assists in wins over Tennessee and at South Carolina.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320310096|title=Tennessee 44 (10–12, 2–5 SEC), (1) Kentucky 69 (22–1, 8–0 SEC)|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=January 31, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201224121/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320310096|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320352579|title=(1) Kentucky 86 (23–1, 9–0 SEC), South Carolina 52 (9–13, 1–7 SEC)|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=February 4, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201120212/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320352579|url-status=live}} For Davis's second POTW he posted a pair of double-doubles to average 20.5 points, 11 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and two steals in wins at Mississippi State and over Vanderbilt.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320520344|title=(1) Kentucky 73 (27–1, 13–0 SEC), Miss. St 64 (19–9, 6–7 SEC)|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=February 21, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201224156/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320520344|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320560096|title=Vanderbilt 74 (20–9, 9–5 SEC), (1) Kentucky 83 (28–1, 14–0 SEC)|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=February 25, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201175040/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=320560096|url-status=live}} The February 25 win against Vanderbilt clinched the 2011–12 SEC championship for Kentucky as Davis tallied a career-high 28 points as well as 11 rebounds and 5 blocked shots.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=320560096|title=No. 1 Kentucky holds off Vanderbilt to claim another SEC title|access-date=March 2, 2012|date=February 25, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201224212/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=320560096|url-status=dead}} ESPN's Andy Katz described his SEC title-clinching performance as the most complete performance of his career.

He was also selected as the SEC Player of the Year, SEC Freshman of the Year, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a first team All-SEC honoree.{{cite web|url=http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030612aad.html|title=Davis Named Player of the Year to Lead Awards: Calipari honored as the league's Coach of the Year; Miller is the Sixth Man|access-date=March 6, 2012|date=March 6, 2012|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=UKAtletics.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312061129/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030612aad.html|archive-date=March 12, 2012|url-status=dead}} The SEC awards were selected by the league's 12 coaches who were not permitted to vote for their own players. Thus, no awards were unanimous.{{cite web|url=http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/232339/2012-sec-mens-basketball-awards-announced.aspx|title=2012 SEC Men's Basketball Awards Announced|access-date=March 6, 2012|date=March 6, 2012|publisher=Southeastern Conference and XOS Digital.|website=secdigitalnetwork.com|archive-date=March 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308235303/http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/232339/2012-sec-mens-basketball-awards-announced.aspx|url-status=live}} Sporting News also selected him as Freshman and Player of the Year for the SEC.{{cite web|title=Sporting News conference awards|work=Sporting News|date=March 5, 2012|url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2012-03-05/tyler-zeller-north-carolina-draymond-green-michigan-state-jae-crowder-marquette-|access-date=March 12, 2012|archive-date=March 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308225351/http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2012-03-05/tyler-zeller-north-carolina-draymond-green-michigan-state-jae-crowder-marquette-|url-status=dead}} Also, the Associated Press selected him as Player and Newcomer of the Year for the SEC as well as an All-SEC performer.{{cite news |title=Kentucky's Davis, Calipari sweep AP SEC honors|work=Sporting News|date=March 12, 2012 |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/basketball/ncaa/03/12/SEC.awards.ap/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720023232/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/basketball/ncaa/03/12/SEC.awards.ap/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 20, 2012|access-date=March 12, 2012 }} Following the 2012 SEC tournament, he was selected to the SEC All-Tournament Team.{{cite web|url=http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/232562/vanderbilt-wins-sec-tournament-championship.aspx|title=Vanderbilt Wins SEC Tournament Championship|access-date=March 11, 2012|date=March 11, 2012|publisher=Southeastern Conference and XOS Digital.|website=secdigitalnetwork.com|archive-date=March 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314062944/http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/232562/vanderbilt-wins-sec-tournament-championship.aspx|url-status=live}}

=Records=

During the 2011–12 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, Davis blocked more shots per game than most Division I men's teams.{{cite web|url=http://dimemag.com/2012/02/jeremy-lin-saves-new-york-kyrie-irving-is-the-truth/2/|title=Jeremy Lin Saves New York; Kyrie Irving Is The Truth|access-date=March 3, 2012|date=February 5, 2012|work=Dime Magazine|archive-date=February 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209092528/http://dimemag.com/2012/02/jeremy-lin-saves-new-york-kyrie-irving-is-the-truth/2/|url-status=live}} In the January 17 contest against Arkansas, Davis set the Kentucky men's basketball record for single-season blocked shots surpassing Melvin Turpin and Andre Riddick, who each had 83. In the game, he established a career high with 27 points and added 14 rebounds and 5 blocked shots.{{cite web|url=http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/011712aaa.html|title=Cats Down Hogs on Davis' Career Night: Davis scores a career-high 27 and sets single-season record for blocks|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=January 17, 2012|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=UKAthletics.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317230909/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/011712aaa.html|archive-date=March 17, 2014|url-status=dead}} On February 4, against South Carolina, Davis established the SEC freshman record with 116 blocks surpassing Shaquille O'Neal's total set for LSU. One of the most notable blocks of the season was a block of John Henson with four seconds left to preserve a 73–72 victory when number one Kentucky hosted number five North Carolina on December 3.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=313370096|title=Anthony Davis' block in final seconds secures Kentucky's win|access-date=March 3, 2012|date=December 3, 2011|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=March 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312050459/http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=313370096|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Davis, Kentucky nip Carolina|date=December 4, 2011|work=Chicago Sun-Times|page=63}} On March 15, Davis established a Kentucky single-game record for the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament by blocking 7 against Western Kentucky.{{cite web|url=http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031512aad.html|title=Kentucky-Western Kentucky Postgame Notes|access-date=March 16, 2012|date=March 15, 2012|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=UKAthletics.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317231034/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031512aad.html|archive-date=March 17, 2014|url-status=dead}} On March 25, Davis established the SEC single-season blocked shots record in the NCAA Tournament South Regional Championship game victory over Baylor,{{cite web|url=http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032512aae.html|title=Kentucky-Baylor Postgame Notes|access-date=March 25, 2012|date=March 25, 2012|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=UKAthletics.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317230931/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/032512aae.html|archive-date=March 17, 2014|url-status=dead}} surpassing Jarvis Varnado's total of 169.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/40852|title=Wildcats run to easy victory over Bears|access-date=May 6, 2012|date=March 25, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=April 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417090350/https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/40852|url-status=live}} On March 31, he tied DeMarcus Cousins with 20 double-doubles for the Kentucky freshman-season record.{{cite web|url=http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/033112aaj.html|title=Kentucky-Louisville Postgame Notes|access-date=April 1, 2012|date=March 31, 2012|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=UKAthletics.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317225343/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/033112aaj.html|archive-date=March 17, 2014|url-status=dead}} He also surpassed Cousins' Kentucky freshman rebounds record of 374 with 415 rebounds.{{cite web|url=http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040212aaa.html|title=Davis Named Naismith Player of the Year: Freshman adds to growing list of accolades with another Player of the Year honor|access-date=April 2, 2012|date=April 2, 2012|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=UKAthletics.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404223301/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040212aaa.html|archive-date=April 4, 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/4258/type/mens-college-basketball|title=DeMarcus Cousins Stats|access-date=June 10, 2023|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=June 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610175848/https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/4258/type/mens-college-basketball|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/6583/type/mens-college-basketball|title=Anthony Davis|access-date=June 10, 2023|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=June 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610175848/https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/6583/type/mens-college-basketball|url-status=live}} With six blocks in the championship game, he achieved a total of 186 for the season, surpassing Hassan Whiteside's 2010 total of 182, to set an NCAA Division I freshman record. This also tied the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship Game record for blocks established by Joakim Noah in the 2006 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/040312aah.html|title=Kentucky-Kansas Postgame Notes|access-date=April 3, 2012|date=April 3, 2012|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=UKAthletics.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407074544/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/040312aah.html|archive-date=April 7, 2012|url-status=dead}} Starting in the championship game gave him a total of 40 starts for the season, which tied Kentucky's single-season record along with teammate Marquis Teague.

Professional career

=New Orleans Hornets / Pelicans (2012–2019)=

== Rookie year (2012–2013) ==

Davis declared for the 2012 NBA draft alongside the rest of the national championship team starting five: fellow freshmen Kidd-Gilchrist and Teague, and sophomores Jones and Doron Lamb.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7825727|title=UK's starting five opts for draft|access-date=April 17, 2012|date=April 17, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=June 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610175837/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7825727|url-status=live}} At the 2012 NBA Draft Combine, Davis measured at {{convert|6|ft|9.25|in|m|2}}, {{convert|221.8|lb|1}} and had the second-longest wingspan—{{convert|7|ft|5.5|in|m|2}}—of any player participating.{{cite web|url=http://www.hoopsworld.com/2012-nba-draft-combine-measurements-released|title=2012 NBA Draft Combine Measurements|access-date=June 10, 2012|date=June 8, 2012|publisher=Hoops World|author=Koutroupis, Yannis|archive-date=June 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610194741/http://www.hoopsworld.com/2012-nba-draft-combine-measurements-released|url-status=live}} On June 28, the New Orleans Hornets selected Davis with the first overall pick.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2012/story/_/id/8109357|title=Hornets select Anthony Davis|access-date=June 30, 2012|date=June 29, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=September 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923121338/https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2012/story/_/id/8109357|url-status=live}} Davis became the fifth Chicago-area first overall selection following Cazzie Russell (1966), LaRue Martin (1972), Mark Aguirre (1981) and Derrick Rose (2008).{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/13452501-579/prestige-of-top-nba-draft-pick-awaits-anthony-davis-chicago.html|title=Prestige of top NBA draft pick awaits Anthony Davis, Chicago|access-date=July 3, 2012|date=June 27, 2012|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=McGavin, Patrick Z.|archive-date=July 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701060454/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/13452501-579/prestige-of-top-nba-draft-pick-awaits-anthony-davis-chicago.html|url-status=live}} On July 24, 2012, Davis signed a three-year $16 million guaranteed contract with the Hornets as prescribed by the NBA's collective bargaining agreement.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8194971|title=Anthony Davis, Austin Rivers sign|access-date=July 25, 2012|date=July 24, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=April 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417114004/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8194971|url-status=live}}File:Anthony Davis Hornets.jpg

On November 1, 2012, Davis made his debut against the San Antonio Spurs. He scored a team high 21 in a losing effort.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277728|title=Anthony Davis scores 21 points in debut as Hornets fall to Spurs|access-date=November 1, 2012|date=October 31, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=March 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320111112/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277728|url-status=live}} On November 2, Davis suffered a concussion that sidelined him for two-and-a-half games until November 9.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2012/11/09/anthony-davis-new-orleans-hornets-concussion/1694835/|title=Hornets' Anthony Davis ready to return|access-date=November 27, 2012|date=November 9, 2012|work=USA Today|archive-date=November 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113095731/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2012/11/09/anthony-davis-new-orleans-hornets-concussion/1694835/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8603390|title=Anthony Davis, Austin Rivers out|access-date=November 27, 2012|date=November 7, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418163841/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8603390|url-status=live}} In his November 9 return, he posted his first double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds as well as 5 blocks, 2 steals and 2 assists in a victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277794|title=Anthony Davis drops 23 in return to power Hornets|access-date=November 27, 2012|date=November 9, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205130112/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400277794|url-status=live}} On November 17, he totaled 28 points and 11 rebounds against the Milwaukee Bucks.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/400277856|title=Hornets 113 (3–5, 1–2 away); Bucks 117 (6–2, 3–2 home)|access-date=December 19, 2012|date=November 17, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=January 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106110047/http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?id=400277856|url-status=live}} On November 20, Davis was announced to be out of the lineup for "a stress reaction" on his ankle.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/hornets/2012/11/20/anthony-davis-injury-ankle-new-orleans-new-york-knicks/1718239/|title=Anthony Davis injures ankle, out for Hornets against Knicks|access-date=November 27, 2012|date=November 20, 2012|work=USA Today|archive-date=November 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129225009/http://usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/hornets/2012/11/20/anthony-davis-injury-ankle-new-orleans-new-york-knicks/1718239/|url-status=live}} He was cleared to play on December 11, 2012, after missing 11 games.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/hornets-anthony-davis-play-vs-174804149--nba.html |title=Hornets' Anthony Davis to play vs. Wizards |access-date=December 11, 2012 |date=December 11, 2012 |work=Yahoo! Sports |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214114711/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/hornets-anthony-davis-play-vs-174804149--nba.html |archive-date=December 14, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278027|title=Wizards 77, Hornets 70|access-date=December 12, 2012|date=December 11, 2012|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=August 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804123219/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278027|url-status=live}} On December 18, he posted a career-high 4 steals to go along with 15 points and a then-career-high 16 rebounds against the Golden State Warriors in his first start since being disabled on November 20.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278085|title=Anthony Davis' return can't lift Hornets over Warriors|access-date=December 19, 2012|date=December 18, 2012|publisher=ESPN}}

Davis appeared in the February 15, 2013 Rising Stars Challenge during the 2013 NBA All-Star Game weekend.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/news/as.rising.stars/2013-rising-stars-challenge-event-page/index.html|title=Faried grabs MVP as Team Chuck wins BBVA Rising Stars|access-date=March 8, 2013|date=February 16, 2013|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123011051/http://www.nba.com/news/as.rising.stars/2013-rising-stars-challenge-event-page/index.html|archive-date=January 23, 2013|url-status=dead}} Davis was removed from the Hornets' lineup on February 27 following a collision with Brook Lopez the prior night in which he sprained his left shoulder.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8995576|title=Anthony Davis out against Thunder|access-date=February 28, 2013|date=February 27, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418192107/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8995576|url-status=live}} On March 5, Davis returned to the starting lineup with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocked shots against the Orlando Magic.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400278611|title=Magic 105 (17–44, 8–21 away); Hornets 102 (21–40, 11–19 home)|access-date=March 5, 2013|date=March 4, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120093550/http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400278611|url-status=live}} On March 9, Davis established a career high in rebounds with 18 to go along with 20 points against the Memphis Grizzlies.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400278650|title=Hornets 85 (21–42, 10–22 away); Grizzlies 96 (42–19, 25–8 home)|access-date=March 10, 2013|date=March 9, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205072322/http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400278650|url-status=live}} On March 20, Davis tipped in the game-winning basket over Kevin Garnett against the Boston Celtics with 0.3 seconds remaining.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400278733|title=Anthony Davis' late tip-in lifts Hornets past Celtics|access-date=August 8, 2013|date=March 20, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201065739/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?id=400278733|url-status=live}} On April 10, Davis suffered a season-ending left knee medial collateral ligament sprain and bone bruise.{{cite magazine|url=http://nba.si.com/2013/04/11/anthony-davis-knee-injury-done-for-season-new-orleans-hornets/|title=Hornets shut down Anthony Davis (knee) for the season|access-date=April 13, 2013|date=April 11, 2013|magazine=Sports Illustrated|author=Golliver, Ben|archive-date=April 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415101203/http://nba.si.com/2013/04/11/anthony-davis-knee-injury-done-for-season-new-orleans-hornets/|url-status=live}} He was injured in a collision with Marcus Thornton of the Sacramento Kings.{{cite web|url=http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ssf/2013/04/new_orleans_hornets_starting_p_1.html|title=New Orleans Hornets point guard Greivis Vásquez will join Anthony Davis on the injured list Friday night against Clippers|access-date=April 13, 2013|date=April 12, 2013|author=Reid, John|work=The Times Picayune|archive-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205072411/http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ssf/2013/04/new_orleans_hornets_starting_p_1.html|url-status=live}} He was a 2013 NBA All-Rookie First Team selection,{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/22243810/damian-lillard-leads-2013-nba-allrookie-teams|title=Damian Lillard leads 2013 NBA All-Rookie teams|access-date=May 15, 2013|date=May 14, 2013|work=CBS Sports|author=Moore, Matt|archive-date=March 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311114151/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/|url-status=live}} and finished second in NBA Rookie of the Year voting (with 306 points) to Damian Lillard (605).{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2013/news/05/01/kia-rookie-of-the-year-lillard/index.html|title=Portland's Lillard named 2012–13 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year|access-date=July 30, 2013|date=May 1, 2013|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504070715/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/05/01/kia-rookie-of-the-year-lillard/index.html|archive-date=May 4, 2013|url-status=dead}} His 20 double-doubles was the most in his rookie class.

As a rookie, he proved to be mostly a pick-and-roll threat on offense, but was effective in fast break transition and on the offensive boards. He needed to develop his isolation and post-up skills.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24097058/uniqueness-of-anthony-davis-offense-is-what-makes-him-promising|title=Uniqueness of Anthony Davis' offense is what makes him promising|access-date=October 20, 2013|date=October 17, 2013|work=CBS Sports|author=Harper, Zach|archive-date=October 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018154512/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24097058/uniqueness-of-anthony-davis-offense-is-what-makes-him-promising|url-status=live}} His rookie skill set was said to resemble a young Lamar Odom, but he added over {{convert|10|lb|1}} following his rookie season.{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1801073-why-anthony-davis-will-emerge-as-a-full-fledged-nba-superstar-in-2013-14|title=Why Anthony Davis Will Emerge as a Full-Fledged NBA Superstar in 2013–14|access-date=October 20, 2013|date=October 7, 2013|work=Bleacher Report|author=Leonardis, Dave|archive-date=October 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024155403/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1801073-why-anthony-davis-will-emerge-as-a-full-fledged-nba-superstar-in-2013-14|url-status=live}}

After the 2012–13 season, the Hornets renamed themselves the Pelicans.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9187070|title=Hornets officially become Pelicans|access-date=September 7, 2013|date=April 18, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=February 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208025801/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9187070|url-status=live}} Davis donated $65,000 toward the construction of a basketball court at his alma mater, Perspectives.{{cite web|url=http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130904/SPORTS03/309040118/Anthony-Davis-donating-basketball-court-high-school-alma-mater|title=Anthony Davis donating basketball court to high school alma mater|access-date=September 7, 2013|date=September 4, 2013|work=The Courier-Journal|author=Lintner, Jonathan }}{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/anthony-davis-its-grind-time-now|title=Anthony Davis: 'It's grind time now'|access-date=September 7, 2013|date=September 4, 2013|website=NBA.com|author=Eichenhofer, Jim|archive-date=September 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911084408/http://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/anthony-davis-its-grind-time-now?|url-status=live}} On October 16, 2013, during the preseason of Davis's sophomore year for the 2013–14 New Orleans Pelicans, the Pelicans exercised the team's third-year option on Davis's contract.{{cite web|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/New-Orleans-Pelicans-excercise-options-Anthony-Davis-Austin-Rivers-101613|title=Pelicans exercise 3rd-year options|access-date=October 17, 2013|date=October 16, 2013|work=FOX Sports|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=October 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019024519/http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/New-Orleans-Pelicans-excercise-options-Anthony-Davis-Austin-Rivers-101613|url-status=live}}

==First All-Star selection (2013–2014)==

File:20140101 Anthony Davis shoots free throws (2).JPG on January 1, 2014.]]

Davis began the 2013–14 NBA season with the newly-renamed Pelicans with a pair of double-doubles, posting 20 points and 12 rebounds against Indiana on October 30{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400488884|title=George, Hill lead Pacers past Pelicans 95–90|access-date=November 2, 2013|date=October 30, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=January 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106060645/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400488884|url-status=live}} and 26 points and 17 rebounds against Orlando on November 1.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400488894|title=Magic beat Pelicans 110–90|access-date=November 2, 2013|date=November 1, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103092208/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400488894|url-status=live}} In the Orlando game, Davis became the youngest player in franchise history to record 25 points and 15 rebounds in a game. In the third game of the season against Charlotte on November 2, Davis established career highs with 6 blocks and 6 steals, while helping New Orleans to its first victory. He also became the first player with 6 blocks, 6 steals and 25 points in a game in the last 20 years and only the fifth with at least 5 blocks, 5 steals and 25 points in that period.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400488908|title=New Orleans, backed by 18 blocks, wins first game as Pelicans|access-date=November 3, 2013|date=November 2, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=January 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106055159/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400488908|url-status=live}} For the week, Davis earned an NBA Player of the Week nomination, but lost out to Kevin Love.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2013/news/11/04/players-of-week-110413/|title=Carter-Williams, Love named Players of the Week|access-date=November 12, 2013|date=November 4, 2013|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208052025/http://www.nba.com/2013/news/11/04/players-of-week-110413/|archive-date=December 8, 2013|url-status=dead}} On November 8, against the Los Angeles Lakers, Davis scored a career-high 32 points and tied a career high with 6 blocks, along with 12 rebounds, becoming the youngest player ever to have at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks in an NBA game.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400488954|title=Anthony Davis has career game to lift Pelicans over Lakers|access-date=November 9, 2013|date=November 8, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=August 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825185823/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400488954|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url = https://twitter.com/espnstatsinfo/status/399114973646815233|title = Anthony|access-date = December 25, 2014|archive-date = January 31, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160131154921/https://twitter.com/espnstatsinfo/status/399114973646815233|url-status = live}} On November 16, he established a new career high with 8 blocks against Philadelphia.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489016|title=Davis powers Pelicans to 135–98 rout of 76ers|access-date=November 17, 2013|date=November 16, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=March 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320111049/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489016|url-status=live}} He again had 8 blocks on November 20 against the Utah Jazz. With two 8-block games in the Pelicans' first 11 games of the 2013–14 NBA season, Davis matched the number of 8-block games that Roy Hibbert had at that time in the 2012–13 and 2013–14 NBA seasons combined. No other players had two 8-block games as recently.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489042|title=Davis leads Pelicans past Jazz 105–98|access-date=November 21, 2013|date=November 20, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=January 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106104323/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489042|url-status=live}} According to ESPN, while drawing a charging foul from Amar'e Stoudemire, Davis suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left hand in the first quarter against the New York Knicks on December 1.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489127|title=Pelicans hand Knicks 9th straight loss despite losing Anthony Davis|access-date=December 2, 2013|date=December 1, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=January 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106055208/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489127|url-status=live}} Yahoo! Sports claims the injury came on an attempted alley oop.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/pelicans-anthony-davis-indefinitely-non-displaced-fracture-hand-162014288--nba.html|title=Pelicans' Anthony Davis out 4 to 6 weeks with non-displaced fracture in left hand (Video)|access-date=December 5, 2013|date=December 2, 2013|work=Yahoo! Sports|author=Devine, Dan|archive-date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205195519/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/pelicans-anthony-davis-indefinitely-non-displaced-fracture-hand-162014288--nba.html?|url-status=live}} On December 3, the Pelicans announced a four-to-six-week layoff was expected.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/anthony-davis-injury-update-12313|title=Anthony Davis Injury Update|access-date=December 5, 2013|date=December 3, 2013|website=NBA.com|archive-date=December 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205185035/http://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/anthony-davis-injury-update-12313|url-status=live}} The injury came the night before he was supposed to play in his hometown of Chicago, marking the second year in a row that he was sidelined for his chance to play in his hometown.{{cite web|url=http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/injured-chicagoan-anthony-davis-misses-homecoming-game-again |title=Injured Chicagoan Anthony Davis misses homecoming game again |access-date=December 3, 2013 |date=December 3, 2013 |publisher=Comcast SportsNet |author=Aggrey, Sam |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204225618/http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/injured-chicagoan-anthony-davis-misses-homecoming-game-again |archive-date=December 4, 2013}}

File:Anthony Davis 12711093105.jpg

Davis returned to the lineup on December 18 against the Los Angeles Clippers with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 3 steals.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489253|title=Clippers overwhelm Pelicans in Anthony Davis' return to court|access-date=December 25, 2013|date=December 18, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=August 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825200102/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489253|url-status=live}} He returned to the starting lineup in the next game with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal against Portland on December 21. He missed 7 games due to the injury.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400489274|title=Damian Lillard has 29 points as Blazers win sixth in last 7|access-date=December 25, 2013|date=December 21, 2013|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=July 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703190902/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?id=400489274|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2013/12/both_anthony_davis_and_ryan_an.html|title=Both Anthony Davis and Ryan Anderson in starting lineup for New Orleans Pelicans tonight; Jason Smith out with bruised knee|access-date=December 25, 2013|date=December 21, 2013|website=NOLA.com|author=Hogan, Nakia|archive-date=December 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224080340/http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2013/12/both_anthony_davis_and_ryan_an.html|url-status=live}} In his seventh consecutive 20-point game (all losses), Davis posted 31 points and 17 rebounds against Golden State.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489472|title=Warriors send Pelicans to 8th straight loss|access-date=January 20, 2014|date=January 18, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=July 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703190830/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489472|url-status=live}} In the subsequent game on January 20, he helped the Pelicans snap an 8-game losing streak with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks against Memphis.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489484|title=Davis lifts Pelicans over Grizzlies 95–92|access-date=January 21, 2014|date=January 20, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=August 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804170848/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489484|url-status=live}} On January 26, Davis established a new career high with 19 rebounds, in addition to posting 22 points and 7 blocks, in a 100–92 victory over the Orlando Magic.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489529|title=Davis powers Pelicans past Magic, 100–92|access-date=January 27, 2014|date=January 26, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=March 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320110309/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489529|url-status=live}} On January 27, Davis was a finalist for Western Conference Player of the Week but lost out to Kevin Durant.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2014/news/01/27/hawks-millsap-thunder-durant-players-of-week/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts|title=Millsap, Durant named Players of the Week|access-date=January 27, 2014|date=January 27, 2014|website=NBA.com|archive-date=January 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140128114612/http://www.nba.com/2014/news/01/27/hawks-millsap-thunder-durant-players-of-week/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts|url-status=live}} The January 28 contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers featuring the last three first overall NBA draft picks (Anthony Bennett, Davis and Kyrie Irving), Davis posted 30 points, 8 blocks, 7 rebounds and 3 assists.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489541|title=Davis dominates as Pelicans beat Cavs 100–89|access-date=January 29, 2014|date=January 28, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=July 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703220905/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489541|url-status=live}} However, he dislocated his left index finger causing him to miss the next game the following night.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489553|title=Kevin Love scores 30, grabs 14 boards as Timberwolves break .500|access-date=January 30, 2014|date=January 29, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=July 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703190849/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489553|url-status=live}} On January 29, he was named a Rising Stars Challenge participant as part of the 2014 NBA All-Star Game weekend.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2014/news/01/29/rising-stars-roster/index.html|title=Lillard, Carter-Williams headline 2014 Rising Stars Challenge|access-date=January 30, 2014|date=January 29, 2014|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204235328/http://www.nba.com/2014/news/01/29/rising-stars-roster/index.html|archive-date=February 4, 2014|url-status=dead}} On February 7, he was selected to replace Kobe Bryant in the 2014 NBA All-Star Game.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2014/news/02/07/davis-replaces-bryant-official-release/index.html?|title=Pelicans' Anthony Davis to replace Lakers' Kobe Bryant in 2014 NBA All-Star Game|access-date=February 8, 2014|date=February 7, 2014|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627064136/http://www.nba.com/2014/news/02/07/davis-replaces-bryant-official-release/index.html|archive-date=June 27, 2015|url-status=dead}} On February 26, Davis sprained his left shoulder late in the first half against the Dallas Mavericks. He did not play in the rest of the game, and his subsequent availability was listed as day-to-day.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400489729|title=Pelicans lose star Anthony Davis to injury, fall to Mavericks|access-date=February 28, 2014|date=February 26, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=July 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703190853/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?id=400489729|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10528251|title=Pelicans' Anthony Davis day to day|access-date=February 28, 2014|date=February 27, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=April 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417165620/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10528251|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2014/02/27/davis-latest-to-go-down-for-suffering-pels|title=Davis Latest To Go Down For Suffering Pels|access-date=February 28, 2014|date=February 27, 2014|website=NBA.com|author=Caplan, Jeff|archive-date=February 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228000336/http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2014/02/27/davis-latest-to-go-down-for-suffering-pels/|url-status=live}} Despite his shoulder sprain, Davis matched his career high with 32 points on February 28 against the Phoenix Suns.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489746|title=Goran Dragic quickly tops career best with 40 points in victory|access-date=March 1, 2014|date=February 28, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=July 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703190839/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489746|url-status=live}} He was one of six Western Conference Player of the Week nominees on March 10.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2014/news/03/10/carmelo-anthony-james-harden-named-players-of-the-week/index.html|title=Anthony, Harden collect Player of the Week honors|access-date=March 10, 2014|date=March 10, 2014|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311034008/http://www.nba.com/2014/news/03/10/carmelo-anthony-james-harden-named-players-of-the-week/index.html|archive-date=March 11, 2014|url-status=dead}} On March 14, Davis established a career high with 36 points against Portland.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489850|title=Damian Lillard scores 27 points as Trail Blazers stop 4-game skid|access-date=March 15, 2014|date=March 14, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=March 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320111053/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489850|url-status=live}} On March 16, 2014, (the very next game) Davis scored a career-high 40 points along with a career-high 21 rebounds in a 121–120 overtime win against the Boston Celtics. The performance was the first 40-point, 20-rebound effort of the 2013–14 NBA season. Davis was the fourth-youngest player (21 years and 5 days) to achieve 40/20 in a game and the youngest since Shaquille O'Neal in 1993.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489863|title=Anthony Davis' 40 points, 21 rebounds lift Pelicans over Celtics in OT|access-date=March 17, 2014|date=March 16, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=July 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703190844/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489863|url-status=live}} In addition to his career game, Davis set a New Orleans' franchise record with six straight games of at least 28 points. Glen Rice set the previous best stretch with five straight in the 1990s. It was also the first 40-point performance by a Pelican/Hornet since David West on February 26, 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20140316/BOSNOP/gameinfo.html|title=Notebook: Pelicans 121, Celtics 120 (OT)|access-date=March 17, 2014|date=March 16, 2014|website=NBA.com|archive-date=March 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317082454/http://www.nba.com/games/20140316/BOSNOP/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}} Davis was again a finalist for NBA Player of the Week on March 17 and 24.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2014/news/03/17/al-jefferson-blake-griffin-players-of-the-week/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts|title=Bobcats' Jefferson, Clippers' Griffin names Players of the Week|access-date=March 17, 2014|date=March 17, 2014|website=NBA.com|archive-date=March 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317214350/http://www.nba.com/2014/news/03/17/al-jefferson-blake-griffin-players-of-the-week/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2014/news/03/24/durant-johnson-players-of-week/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts|title=KD, Joe Johnson named Players of the Week|access-date=March 24, 2014|date=March 24, 2014|website=NBA.com|archive-date=March 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324222645/http://www.nba.com/2014/news/03/24/durant-johnson-players-of-week/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts|url-status=live}}

In late March, Davis began suffering a series of injuries. On March 28, Davis injured his left ankle, after four minutes of play against the Jazz.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489955|title=Evans leads Pelicans over Jazz 102–95|access-date=April 10, 2014|date=March 28, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207155222/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489955|url-status=live}} He missed the rest of the game and the next one.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489965|title=Spurs pummel Pelicans to collect 17th straight victory|access-date=April 10, 2014|date=March 29, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909073715/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489965|url-status=live}} Davis returned to the lineup on March 31 against Sacramento.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489981|title=DeMarcus Cousins scores 35 points, leads Kings past Pelicans|access-date=April 10, 2014|date=March 31, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207155137/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489981|url-status=live}} However, on April 2, Davis endured back spasms that caused him to miss the second half against the Nuggets.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489997|title=Kenneth Faried scores career-best 34 as Nuggets scoot past Pelicans|access-date=April 10, 2014|date=April 2, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207155216/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400489997|url-status=live}} Davis saw limited minutes on April 4 and missed a game on April 9 due to his back.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400490043|title=Green, Dragic lead Suns past Pelicans, 94–88|access-date=April 10, 2014|date=April 9, 2014|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207155157/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?id=400490043|url-status=live}} On April 10, the team announced that Davis would miss the remaining four games.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10762671|title=Anthony Davis to miss last 4 games|access-date=April 11, 2014|date=April 10, 2014|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418013927/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10762671|url-status=live}} Davis finished the season as the NBA leader in blocked shots per game (2.82).{{cite web|url=http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2014/04/new_orleans_pelicans_point_gua_6.html|title=New Orleans Pelicans point guard Brian Roberts ends season as free throw percentage leader|access-date=April 19, 2014|date=April 16, 2014|author=Reid, John|work=The Times Picayune|archive-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205072345/http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2014/04/new_orleans_pelicans_point_gua_6.html|url-status=live}} Davis was the youngest NBA leading shot blocker at {{age in years and days|1993|3|11|2014|4|16}} (on April 16, {{nbay|2013|end}}).{{cite web|url=https://www.beckett.com/news/new-orleans-anthony-davis-becoming-one-of-the-hobbys-top-stars/|title=New Orleans' Anthony Davis Becoming One of the Hobby's Top Stars|accessdate=April 26, 2024|last=Good|first=Dan|publisher=Beckett Media}} The record was surpassed 10 seasons later by Victor Wembanyama at {{age in years and days|2004|1|4|2024|4|14}} (on April 14, {{nbay|2023|end}}).{{cite news|url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/victor-wembanyama-blocks-18591294.php|title=Victor Wembanyama could become youngest player to lead NBA in blocks|accessdate=April 26, 2024|date=January 6, 2024|author=Fritts, Eric|work=San Antonio Express-News}}{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/dimemag/nba-players-vote-victor-wembanyama-best-defender/|title=NBA Players Voted Victor Wembanyama As The Best Defender In The League|accessdate=April 26, 2024|date=April 22, 2024|work=Dime Magazine|author=Kalland, Robby}} Because of his improved performance this season against his rookie season, Davis finished third in the NBA Most Improved Player Award voting behind Lance Stephenson and Goran Dragić.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2014/news/04/23/goran-dragic-wins-kia-most-improved-player-award/|title=Suns' Dragic wins Kia Most Improved Player award|access-date=April 26, 2014|date=April 23, 2014|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128094023/http://www.nba.com/2014/news/04/23/goran-dragic-wins-kia-most-improved-player-award/|archive-date=January 28, 2018|url-status=dead}}

==First All-NBA and playoff appearances (2014–2015)==

Davis began the 2014–15 NBA season against the Orlando Magic with one of the best season-opening performances of all time: 26 points, 17 rebounds, 9 blocks, 3 steals and 2 assists. It was the first 9-block season-opener since Nate Thurmond had 12 to open the 1974–75 NBA season. The performance also marked the first 26-point/17-rebound/9-block/3-steal effort since Hakeem Olajuwon during the 1989–90 NBA season.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578293|title=Pelicans' Anthony Davis narrowly misses triple-double in rout of Magic|access-date=October 29, 2014|date=October 28, 2014|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207160230/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578293|url-status=live}} On November 8, against the San Antonio Spurs, he posted 27 points, 11 rebounds and 6 blocks, including the game-winning basket with 6.6 seconds remaining. It marked the 5th time Davis had 25 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks since the beginning of the prior season. No other player has had multiple such games in that time.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400578381|title=Anthony Davis hits game-winning layup as Pelicans shock Spurs|access-date=November 10, 2014|date=November 8, 2014|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207160351/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?id=400578381|url-status=live}} On November 22, Davis scored a career-high 43 points along with 14 rebounds against the Utah Jazz.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578484|title=Pelicans rely on Anthony Davis' career-high 43 points to quiet Jazz|access-date=November 24, 2014|date=November 22, 2014|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205072238/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578484|url-status=live}} He was a finalist for October/November Western Conference Player of the Month.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2014/news/12/03/butler-curry-kia-players-of-the-month/index.html|title=Butler, Curry named Kia Players of the Month|access-date=December 4, 2014|date=December 3, 2014|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207180651/http://www.nba.com/2014/news/12/03/butler-curry-kia-players-of-the-month/index.html|archive-date=February 7, 2015|url-status=dead}} On December 2, Davis fell one assist and one block short of becoming the youngest NBA player to ever record a five-by-five with a 25-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist, 6-steal, 4-block performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400578550|title=Thunder 104 (5–13, 1–8 away); Pelicans 112 (8–8, 5–2 home)|access-date=December 3, 2014|date=December 2, 2014|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207155211/https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400578550|url-status=live}} Davis entered the December 12, 2014, contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a player efficiency rating (PER) of 32.9, which would be the highest in NBA history if maintained for the full season. Davis was injured in the game and left in the first quarter.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400578628|title=Pelicans beat Cavaliers as LeBron returns, Anthony Davis exits|access-date=December 15, 2014|date=December 12, 2014|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207155153/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?id=400578628|url-status=live}} Davis was sidelined in the subsequent contest.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578640|title=Stephen Curry lifts Warriors past Pelicans to 16th straight win|access-date=December 15, 2014|date=December 14, 2014|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207155123/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400578640|url-status=live}} He was a finalist for December Western Conference Player of the Month.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/01/05/raptors-lowry-rockets-harden-players-of-month/index.html|title=Lowry, Harden named Kia Players of the Month|access-date=January 6, 2015|date=January 5, 2015|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109051002/http://www.nba.com/2015/news/01/05/raptors-lowry-rockets-harden-players-of-month/index.html|archive-date=January 9, 2015|url-status=dead}} On February 6, despite having missed his last 11 three-point shots and having a career 2-for-23 three-point career record, Davis made a game-winning three-point buzzer beater against Oklahoma City Thunder as part of a 41-point, 10-rebound double-double. The 41-point performance marked a New Orleans record 13th consecutive 20-point performance, surpassing Pete Maravich of the 1976–77 New Orleans Jazz.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400579047|title=Anthony Davis' 3 at buzzer lifts Pelicans; Russell Westbrook nets 48|access-date=February 7, 2015|date=February 6, 2015|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=May 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512201418/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400579047|url-status=live}}

On February 7, 2015, Davis injured his shoulder after falling off the rim when he received an alley-oop.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12294634|title=Anthony Davis to be re-evaluated|access-date=February 13, 2015|date=February 8, 2015|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418054822/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12294634|url-status=live}} As a result of the injury, he withdrew from the 2015 NBA All-Star Game, and was replaced on the roster by Dirk Nowitzki and in the starting lineup by LaMarcus Aldridge.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12317024|title=Anthony Davis focused on playoffs|access-date=February 13, 2015|date=February 12, 2015|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=April 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417100156/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12317024|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2015/02/12/dirk-nowitzki-replaces-anthony-davis-as-west-all-star-dallas-mavericks|title=Nowitzki replaces Davis as West All-Star|access-date=February 13, 2015|date=February 12, 2015|website=NBA.com|author=Blinebury, Fran|archive-date=February 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212192237/http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2015/02/12/dirk-nowitzki-replaces-anthony-davis-as-west-all-star-dallas-mavericks/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/allstar2015/story/_/id/12324812|title=LaMarcus Aldridge to start ASG|access-date=February 16, 2015|date=February 14, 2015|publisher=ESPN|author=Stein, Marc|archive-date=April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418062635/https://www.espn.com/nba/allstar2015/story/_/id/12324812|url-status=live}} Davis missed five games in late February and early March to the shoulder sprain.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/03/04/pelicans-davis-returns.ap/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts|title=Pelicans' Davis returns from 5-game absence vs. Pistons|access-date=March 5, 2015|date=March 4, 2015|website=NBA.com|archive-date=June 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627095307/http://www.nba.com/2015/news/03/04/pelicans-davis-returns.ap/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpts|url-status=live}} He returned against the Detroit Pistons with a very dominant game performance of 39 points, 13 rebounds and 8 blocks, numbers that only Hakeem Olajuwon and Dwight Howard had achieved in a game in the prior 30 years. Davis also reached 437 career blocks, a franchise record.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400579195|title=Davis has huge game in return, Pelicans beat Pistons 88–85|access-date=March 5, 2015|date=March 5, 2015|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320105703/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400579195|url-status=live}} On March 9, Davis tied his career high with 43 points and added 10 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal in a 114–103 win against the Milwaukee Bucks.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400579234|title=Anthony Davis ties career high with 43 in Pelicans' win over Bucks|access-date=March 10, 2015|date=March 9, 2015|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=May 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503094653/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400579234|url-status=live}} On March 15 in a double overtime game against the Denver Nuggets, Davis became the first player in NBA history to tally 36 points, 14 rebounds, 9 blocks and 7 assists in a game since blocks became a statistic in 1973. Only David Robinson has had at least 30 points, 11 rebounds, 8 blocks and 7 assists in a game.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400579276|title=Will Barton, Nuggets extend streak to 4 with 2OT win at New Orleans|access-date=March 16, 2015|date=March 15, 2015|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320171425/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400579276|url-status=live}} On March 16, Davis earned Western Conference Player of the Week for games played Monday, March 9, through Sunday, March 15 and was a finalist for Western Conference Player of the Month of March.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/03/16/irving-davis-players-of-the-week/|title=Cavs' Irving, Pelicans' Davis named Players of the Week|access-date=March 18, 2015|date=March 16, 2015|website=NBA.com|archive-date=March 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317123700/http://www.nba.com/2015/news/03/16/irving-davis-players-of-the-week/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/04/03/lebron-james-russell-westbrook-players-of-month-march-release/index.html|title=LeBron James and Russell Westbrook named Kia Players of the Month|access-date=April 6, 2015|date=April 3, 2015|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407072603/http://www.nba.com/2015/news/04/03/lebron-james-russell-westbrook-players-of-month-march-release/index.html|archive-date=April 7, 2015|url-status=dead}} In the final game of the regular season, a must-win game that would send the Pelicans to the 2015 NBA playoffs, Davis recorded 31 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks in a 108–103 victory over the defending-champion San Antonio Spurs. The playoff berth was Davis's first and the franchise's first since 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400579515|title=Anthony Davis' 31 points, 13 boards lift Pelicans into playoffs|access-date=April 28, 2015|date=April 16, 2015|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=August 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806094430/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400579515|url-status=live}} Davis's season was one of the most impressive in NBA history, finishing the season averaging 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and leading the league in player efficiency rating with 30.89.{{cite web|title=2014–15 Hollinger NBA Player Statistics {{ndash}} All Players|url=https://insider.espn.com/nba/hollinger/statistics/_/year/2015|access-date=April 21, 2015|website=ESPN|archive-date=June 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616054157/http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics/_/year/2015|url-status=live}} He was a finalist for Western Conference Player of the Month again in April.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/04/17/kia-april-players-of-the-month-russell-westbrook-demar-derozan/|title=DeRozan and Westbrook named Kia Players of the Month|access-date=May 1, 2015|date=April 17, 2015|website=NBA.com|archive-date=April 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421094956/http://www.nba.com/2015/news/04/17/kia-april-players-of-the-month-russell-westbrook-demar-derozan|url-status=live}}

In his first career playoff series, Davis averaged 31.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game. Although swept by the overall number one seeded Golden State Warriors, who went on to win the NBA championship,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/17/sports/basketball/nba-finals-2015-warriors-win-title-beating-cavaliers.html|title=Golden State Warriors End N.B.A. Title Drought With Victory Over Cavaliers|access-date=July 2, 2015|date=June 17, 2015|work=The New York Times|author=Cacciola, Scott|archive-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205072627/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/17/sports/basketball/nba-finals-2015-warriors-win-title-beating-cavaliers.html|url-status=live}} Davis joined Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Karl Malone as the only players in the past 20 seasons to average 30 points and 10 rebounds in the playoffs.{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2443979-anthony-davis-only-scraping-surface-of-potential-after-historic-2014-15-season|title=Anthony Davis Only Scraping Surface of Potential After Historic 2014–15 Season|access-date=April 28, 2015|date=April 26, 2015|publisher=Bleacher Report|author=Nathan, Alec|archive-date=April 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429161825/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2443979-anthony-davis-only-scraping-surface-of-potential-after-historic-2014-15-season|url-status=live}} Davis also became the first player in 40 years to average 30 points and 10 rebounds in a player's first playoff series, with the only other players to do so being Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bob McAdoo. At the end of the season, Davis finished 4th in the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award voting,{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/04/23/kawhi-leonard-2014-15-kia-defensive-player-of-the-year-official-release/|title=Spurs' Kawhi Leonard named Kia Defensive Player of the Year Award|access-date=May 8, 2015|date=April 23, 2015|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002100058/http://www.nba.com/2015/news/04/23/kawhi-leonard-2014-15-kia-defensive-player-of-the-year-official-release/|archive-date=October 2, 2018|url-status=dead}} 5th in the NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12817190|title=Warriors guard Stephen Curry voted NBA MVP for 2014–15|access-date=May 8, 2015|date=May 5, 2015|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=May 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510095345/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12817190|url-status=live}} sixth in the NBA Most Improved Player Award voting.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/05/07/jimmy-butler-kia-2014-15-most-improved-player-award-official-release/|title=Bulls' Butler wins 2014–15 Kia Most Improved Player Award|access-date=May 8, 2015|date=May 7, 2015|website=NBA.com|archive-date=November 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121110802/http://www.nba.com/2015/news/05/07/jimmy-butler-kia-2014-15-most-improved-player-award-official-release/|url-status=live}} He was selected to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career, becoming the first player to make the first team in his first three seasons since Derrick Rose did so in the 2010–11 NBA season.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12926145|title=Stephen Curry, LeBron James headline All-NBA first team|access-date=May 21, 2015|date=May 21, 2015|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=June 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610175831/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12926145|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/05/21/2014-15-all-nba-first-team-official-release/index.html|title=Warriors' Curry and Cavaliers' James unanimous picks for 2014–15 All-NBA First Team|access-date=May 21, 2015|date=May 21, 2015|website=NBA.com|archive-date=May 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524011319/http://www.nba.com/2015/news/05/21/2014-15-all-nba-first-team-official-release/index.html|url-status=live}} He was also an NBA All-Defensive Team second team selection.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/05/20/2014-15-nba-all-defensive-team-official-release/index.html|title=Spurs' Leonard, Warriors' Green and Clippers' Jordan make debuts on NBA All-Defensive First Team|access-date=May 21, 2015|date=May 20, 2015|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523004118/http://www.nba.com/2015/news/05/20/2014-15-nba-all-defensive-team-official-release/index.html|archive-date=May 23, 2015|url-status=dead}}

==Season-ending injury (2015–2016)==

File:Anthony Davis 20160221.jpg on February 21, 2016. His 59 points set a new franchise record.]]

On July 9, 2015, Davis signed a five-year, $145 million contract extension with the Pelicans.{{cite news|url=http://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-sign-anthony-davis-contract-extension|title=Pelicans Sign Anthony Davis to Contract Extension|website=NBA.com|date=July 9, 2015|access-date=July 9, 2015|archive-date=July 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712002204/http://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-sign-anthony-davis-contract-extension|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/pelicans/2015/07/01/anthony-davis-5-year-deal-pelicans/29548781/|title=Anthony Davis agrees to 5-year contract with Pelicans|publisher=usatoday.com|author=Sam Amick|date=July 1, 2015|access-date=July 1, 2015|archive-date=July 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703210312/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/pelicans/2015/07/01/anthony-davis-5-year-deal-pelicans/29548781/|url-status=live}} On November 6, he tied his career-high of 43 points in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks.{{cite news|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20151106/ATLNOP/gameinfo.html|title=Korver helps Hawks win 6th straight, 121–115 over Pelicans|website=NBA.com|date=November 6, 2015|access-date=November 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106214339/http://www.nba.com/games/20151106/ATLNOP/gameinfo.html|archive-date=November 6, 2015|url-status=dead}} On December 1, he tied a career-high 9 blocked shots in an offensive off night against the Memphis Grizzlies.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828153|title=Gasol's 38 points lead Grizzlies past Pelicans 113–104|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=December 2, 2015|access-date=December 1, 2015|archive-date=May 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517135359/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828153|url-status=live}} On December 20, in a win over the Denver Nuggets, Davis scored a single-quarter career-high 19 first quarter points to finish the game with 27.{{cite news|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20151220/NOPDEN/gameinfo.html|title=Davis leads Pelicans to 130–125 win over Nuggets|website=NBA.com|date=December 20, 2015|access-date=December 21, 2015|archive-date=December 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223213433/http://www.nba.com/games/20151220/NOPDEN/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}} On January 15, Davis converted an alley oop dunk from Jrue Holiday with 2 seconds remaining to give New Orleans a 109–107 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828485|title=Anderson, Davis, lead Pelicans past Hornets, 109–107|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=January 15, 2016|access-date=January 16, 2016|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207155301/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828485|url-status=live}} On January 28, Davis was named as a reserve for the 2016 NBA All-Star Game.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2016/news/01/28/2016-all-star-reserves-revealed/|title=Warriors' Green and Thompson headline reserves for 2016 NBA All-Star Game|access-date=February 10, 2016|date=January 28, 2016|website=NBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227232611/http://www.nba.com/2016/news/01/28/2016-all-star-reserves-revealed/|archive-date=February 27, 2018|url-status=dead}} He again came close to a five-by-five with a 28-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist, 4-block, 4-steal effort on February 3 against the San Antonio Spurs.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400828629|title=Pelicans 97 (18–30, 5–19 away); Spurs 110 (41–8, 27–0 home)|publisher=ESPN|date=February 3, 2016|access-date=February 4, 2016|archive-date=June 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626211808/http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400828629|url-status=live}} The following day, he was named to the NBA All-Star Weekend Skills Challenge lineup.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/news/as.skills.challenge/2016-skills-challenge-event-page/|title=Taco Bell Skills Challenge: With guards (and now big men) under the spotlight, fundamentals take center stage during State Farm All-Star Saturday Night|access-date=February 10, 2016|date=February 4, 2016|website=NBA.com|archive-date=February 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209203059/http://www.nba.com/news/as.skills.challenge/2016-skills-challenge-event-page|url-status=live}}

On February 21, in a win over the Detroit Pistons, Davis scored a franchise-record 59 points and pulled down 20 rebounds. The previous franchise record was 50 points by Jamal Mashburn exactly 13 years earlier against the Memphis Grizzlies. Davis joined Shaquille O'Neal and Chris Webber as the only NBA players with 50 points and 20 rebounds in a game since 1983.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160221/NOPDET/gameinfo.html|title=Davis scores record 59 points, Pelicans top Pistons 111–106|access-date=February 22, 2016|date=February 21, 2016|website=NBA.com|last=Hogg|first=Dave|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621164704/http://www.nba.com/games/20160221/NOPDET/gameinfo.html|archive-date=June 21, 2017|url-status=dead}} Davis also became just the 20th player in NBA history to score at least 59 points in a game,{{cite web|url=http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/02/new_orleans_pelicans_55.html|title=Anthony Davis scores a franchise-record 59 points with 20 rebounds in Pelicans' victory vs. Pistons|access-date=February 21, 2016|date=February 21, 2016|website=nola.com|last=Reid|first=John|archive-date=February 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223101726/http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/02/new_orleans_pelicans_55.html|url-status=live}} and became the youngest player in NBA history to score 59 points in a game, and the second youngest (behind Bob McAdoo) to record 50 points and 20 rebounds in a game. The 59 points was an NBA-wide season high at the time.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-pelicans//post/_/id/83|title=Anthony Davis shows full breadth of skills in historic performance|access-date=February 22, 2016|date=February 21, 2016|publisher=ESPN|last=Verrier|first=Justin|archive-date=April 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417114004/https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-pelicans/post/_/id/83|url-status=dead}} The total was not surpassed until the final night of the season when Kobe Bryant posted 60 in his final career game.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-goes-out-with-a-bang--scores-60-in-final-game-to-beat-jazz-051906196.html|title=60 points, 50 shots, 1 more win: Kobe Bryant says goodbye his way|access-date=April 14, 2016|date=April 14, 2016|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|last=Devine|first=Dan|archive-date=April 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414155245/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/kobe-goes-out-with-a-bang--scores-60-in-final-game-to-beat-jazz-051906196.html|url-status=live}} Davis posted a third 40-point game (40 points and 13 rebounds) on March 9 against the Charlotte Hornets.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828837|title=Hornets, Walker top Pelicans 122–113 for 5th straight win|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=March 9, 2016|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207155159/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828837|url-status=live}} On March 20, he was ruled out for the rest of the season with a left knee injury and a torn labrum in his left shoulder.{{cite news|url=http://www.nba.com/pelicans/anthony-davis-injury-update|title=Anthony Davis Injury Update|website=NBA.com|date=March 20, 2016|access-date=March 20, 2016|archive-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205081427/http://www.nba.com/pelicans/anthony-davis-injury-update|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Eichenhofer|first=Jim|url=http://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-shut-down-anthony-davis-remainder-season|title=Pelicans shut down Anthony Davis for remainder of season|website=NBA.com|date=March 20, 2016|access-date=March 20, 2016|archive-date=March 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322022640/http://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-shut-down-anthony-davis-remainder-season|url-status=live}} Upon being deactivated, Davis claimed that he had been playing through left shoulder pain since his rookie season.{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/nba/anthony-davis-has-played-through-a-torn-labrum-for-three-seasons/#CCjkcLhGC8ll4GvU.97|title=Anthony Davis Has Played Through a Torn Labrum for Three Seasons|last=Mutoni|first=Marcel|work=SlamOnline.com|date=March 22, 2016|access-date=March 24, 2016|archive-date=March 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324095354/http://www.slamonline.com/nba/anthony-davis-has-played-through-a-torn-labrum-for-three-seasons/#CCjkcLhGC8ll4GvU.97|url-status=live}}

==All-Star record-breaker (2016–2017)==

On October 26, Davis began the season with a 50-point, 16-rebound, 7-steal (career high),{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/pelicans-anthony-davis-submits-historic-stat-line-in-loss/|title=Pelicans' Anthony Davis: Submits historic stat line in loss|access-date=October 27, 2016|date=October 26, 2016|work=CBS Sports|archive-date=October 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028083435/http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/pelicans-anthony-davis-submits-historic-stat-line-in-loss/|url-status=live}} 5-assist, 4-block performance against the Denver Nuggets. He was one block short of his first five-by-five. It was the first 50-point, 15-rebound, 5-assist, 5-steal performance in NBA history since steals became an officially recorded statistic in the 1973–74 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899388|title=Nurkic, Barton lead Nuggets past Pelicans, Davis, 107–102|access-date=October 27, 2016|date=October 26, 2016|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=October 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027192210/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899388|url-status=live}} His 50-point night was the second highest scoring output of his career and was the most by any NBA player in a season opener since Michael Jordan scored 54 points in 1989.{{cite web|url=http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/10/pels_squander_brilliant_effort.html|title=Pels squander brilliant effort by Anthony Davis and other observations from the Nuggets-Pelicans|access-date=October 27, 2016|date=October 26, 2016|website=Nola.com|author=Duncan, Jeff|archive-date=October 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027154213/http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/10/pels_squander_brilliant_effort.html|url-status=live}} Two days later, he had 45 points and 17 rebounds against the Golden State Warriors, becoming the first back-to-back-game 40-point scorer in Pelicans history (since the New Orleans Hornets creation in 2002).{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899459|title=Durant helps Warriors bounce back, beat Pelicans 122–114|access-date=October 29, 2016|date=October 28, 2016|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=October 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030074539/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899459|url-status=live}} On November 10, he scored 32 points against the Milwaukee Bucks, helping the Pelicans record their first win of the season after starting 0–8.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899567|title=Davis scores 32, Pelicans beat Bucks 112–106 for first win|access-date=November 10, 2016|date=November 10, 2016|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=November 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111191657/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899567|url-status=live}} On November 19, Davis posted 38 points and 16 rebounds, including 11 of the Pelicans' final 16 in an overtime win against the Charlotte Hornets. He posted the game-tying score with 18 seconds remaining in regulation.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899635|title=Davis, Pelicans edge Hornets in OT for 2nd straight win|access-date=November 21, 2016|date=November 19, 2016|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=November 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121042812/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899635|url-status=live}} On November 23, he had a 45-point effort in a 117–96 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves; it was the Pelicans' fourth straight win.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899672|title=Davis has 45 points, leads Pelicans past Timberwolves|access-date=November 24, 2016|date=November 23, 2016|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=November 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124060614/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899672|url-status=live}} On December 23, he had 28 points, a career-high 22 rebounds and four blocked shots in a 91–87 win over the Miami Heat.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899891|title=Davis leads Pelicans to 91–87 comeback win over Heat|access-date=December 24, 2016|date=December 23, 2016|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224085440/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899891|url-status=live}} On January 19, Davis was selected as a starter for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game, marking his fourth selection and second as a starter.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-forward-anthony-davis-named-starter-western-conference-all-star-team-011917|title=Pelicans Forward Anthony Davis Named Starter on Western Conference All-Star Team: Named to Fourth Consecutive All-Star Game, Second Time as a Starter|access-date=January 24, 2017|date=January 19, 2017|work=NBA.com|archive-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205082258/http://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-forward-anthony-davis-named-starter-western-conference-all-star-team-011917|url-status=live}} On January 27, he had 16 points and tied a career high with 22 rebounds in a 119–103 win over the San Antonio Spurs.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900122|title=Holiday, Davis lead Pelicans past Sprus 119–103|access-date=January 27, 2017|date=January 27, 2017|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=January 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128065342/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900122|url-status=live}}

On February 2, he was selected as a participant in the NBA All-Star Weekend Skills Challenge.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/02/02/2017-skills-challenge-participants-official-release|title=All-Stars DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, John Wall headline 2017 Taco Bell Skills Challenge: 76ers' Joel Embiid and Knicks' Kristaps Porzingis part of diverse field|access-date=February 4, 2017|date=February 2, 2017|work=NBA.com|archive-date=February 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205105327/http://www.nba.com/article/2017/02/02/2017-skills-challenge-participants-official-release|url-status=live}} On February 10, he had 42 points and 13 rebounds in a 122–106 win over the Timberwolves. Davis scored 40 for the sixth time this season, and it was his highest-scoring game since he put up 45 against Minnesota on November 23.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900209|title=Brow scores 42 to outduel KAT in Pelicans win over Wolves|access-date=February 11, 2017|date=February 10, 2017|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211155932/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900209|url-status=live}} On February 19, 2017, playing on his team's home floor for the NBA All-Star Game, Davis notched 52 points and 10 rebounds, breaking Wilt Chamberlain's previous All-Star record high of 42 points, and also won the game's Most Valuable Player award.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18722458 |title=Anthony Davis breaks Wilt's All-Star scoring record, earns MVP honors |access-date=February 20, 2017 |first=Justin |last=Verrier |date=February 20, 2017 |archive-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223030716/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18722458? |url-status=live }} This record has since been broken by Jayson Tatum in 2023.{{Cite web |title=2023 NBA All-Star Game score: Jayson Tatum breaks scoring record, wins MVP; LeBron James' streak ends |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2023-nba-all-star-game-score-jayson-tatum-breaks-scoring-record-wins-mvp-lebron-james-streak-ends/live/amp/ |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=www.cbssports.com |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221101905/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2023-nba-all-star-game-score-jayson-tatum-breaks-scoring-record-wins-mvp-lebron-james-streak-ends/live/amp/ |url-status=live }} On March 11, 2017, Davis scored 46 points and grabbed 21 rebounds in a 125–122 overtime win over the Charlotte Hornets.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900371|title=Anthony Davis' 46 points, 21 rebounds lift Pelicans to OT victory|access-date=March 12, 2017|date=March 11, 2017|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312182028/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900371|url-status=live}} On March 31, 2017, Davis had 19 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks in a 117–89 win over the Sacramento Kings. During the game, Davis became the first player in Pelicans history to reach 2,000 points in a season.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400900527|title=Cousins carries Pelicans in first game against Kings|access-date=April 1, 2017|date=March 31, 2017|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} Following the season, he edged out Rudy Gobert as the center on the All-NBA first team.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19411428|title=LeBron James, James Harden headline All-NBA first team|access-date=May 19, 2017|date=May 18, 2017|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=June 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607212602/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19411428|url-status=live}} He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for the second time.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/06/26/all-defensive-teams-2016-17-release|title=Draymond Green, Rudy Gobert, Kawhi Leonard lead 2016–17 NBA All-Defensive first team|access-date=June 26, 2017|date=June 26, 2017|work=NBA.com|archive-date=July 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722185607/http://www.nba.com/article/2017/06/26/all-defensive-teams-2016-17-release|url-status=live}}

==Second playoff appearance (2017–2018)==

File:Anthony Davis (25306400548).jpg of the Washington Wizards on December 19, 2017.]]

On November 22, 2017, Davis had 29 points and 11 rebounds in a 107–90 win over the San Antonio Spurs. He finished the game with 7,938 career points, moving him into second in franchise history ahead of Chris Paul (7,936).{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975013|title=Davis, Cousins, power Pelicans' 107–90 rout of Spurs|access-date=November 22, 2017|date=November 22, 2017|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=November 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123131514/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975013|url-status=live}} He was subsequently named the Western Conference Player of the Week for games played from November 20–26. Davis led the Pelicans to a 3–1 week behind averages of 29.5 points on .586 shooting from the floor, 12.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 blocks.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/pelicans/anthony-davis-named-western-conference-player-week|title=Anthony Davis Named Western Conference Player of the Week|access-date=November 28, 2017|date=November 27, 2017|work=NBA.com|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201051625/http://www.nba.com/pelicans/anthony-davis-named-western-conference-player-week|url-status=live}} Davis missed three games in early December with an adductor strain.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975124|title=Randolph leads Kings past Pelicans in OT|work=ESPN.com|date=December 8, 2017|access-date=December 8, 2017|archive-date=December 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209152438/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975124|url-status=live}} On December 27, 2017, he had 33 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks in a 128–113 win over the Brooklyn Nets.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975257|title=Rajon Rondo becomes 7th NBA player with 25 assists in a game|access-date=December 28, 2017|date=December 27, 2017|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228172607/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975257|url-status=live}} On January 14, 2018, Davis scored a season-high 48 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, leading New Orleans back from 19 points down late in the third quarter to a 123–118 overtime victory over the New York Knicks.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975381|title=Davis (48 points, 17 rebounds), Pelicans beat Knicks in OT|access-date=January 14, 2018|date=January 14, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=January 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115184752/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975381|url-status=live}} He followed that up with a 45-point/16-rebound overtime effort on January 16 to lead the Pelicans past the Boston Celtics 116–113.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975396|title=Davis scores 45, Pelicans beat Celtics 116–113 in OT|access-date=January 17, 2018|date=January 16, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=January 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117190555/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975396|url-status=live}} On January 18, he was named a 2018 NBA All-Star Game starter.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22145987|title=LeBron James, Stephen Curry voted as captains for NBA All-Star Game|access-date=January 19, 2018|date=January 18, 2018|publisher=ESPN|author=Begley, Ian|archive-date=March 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316204005/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22145987|url-status=live}}

On January 28, he had 25 points and 17 rebounds in a 112–103 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Davis's rebound total gave him a franchise all-time high of 3,857, eclipsing David West's mark of 3,853.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975479|title=Griffin leads Clippers past Cousins-less Pelicans, 112–103|access-date=January 28, 2018|date=January 28, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=January 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129150859/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975479|url-status=live}} On February 2, he passed West as the franchise's all-time leading scorer by posting 43 points in a win against the Los Angeles Clippers giving him a total of 8,702.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975518|title=Davis' 43 points lead Pelicans past Thunder 114–100|access-date=February 3, 2018|date=February 2, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=February 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203125027/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975518|url-status=live}} On February 23, he had 45 points, 17 rebounds, five blocked shots and five steals in a 124–123 overtime win over the Miami Heat. He hit a 3-pointer during the game, giving him a career-best 41 3-pointers in a single season.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975625|title=Prolific Davis lifts Pelicans past Heat in OT, 124–123|access-date=February 24, 2018|date=February 23, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=February 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225070457/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975625|url-status=live}} Three days later, he recorded a season-high 53 points, 18 rebounds and five blocked shots in a 125–116 win over the Phoenix Suns.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975648|title=Davis scores 53, Pelicans beat Suns for 6th straight win|access-date=February 26, 2018|date=February 26, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=February 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227213701/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975648|url-status=live}} In the game he made a franchise record 21 free throws.{{cite web|url=https://www.nola.com/sports/pelicans/anthony-davis-insane-february-recapping-his-record-breaking-month/article_4676f205-822b-515e-820f-a24dfad08b2a.html#:~:text=It%20was%20the%20third%2050,(26)%20in%20the%20win.&text=Stat%20line%3A%2026%20points%2C%2015,FG%2C%208%2D8%20FT.|title=Anthony Davis' insane February: Recapping his record-breaking month|accessdate=April 20, 2024|date=March 1, 2018|publisher=NOLA.com|author=Guillory, William}} On March 6, he scored 41 points despite a rib contusion in helping the Pelicans defeat the Clippers 121–116. He also tied his career high with four 3-pointers and had 13 rebounds.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975710|title=Davis has 41, Pelicans top Clippers 121–116 for 9th straight|access-date=March 6, 2018|date=March 6, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308041425/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975710|url-status=live}} Five days later, on his 25th birthday, Davis recorded his first career triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 blocks in a 116–99 loss to the Utah Jazz. His 10 blocks in a game set a franchise record and he tied his own franchise mark with six blocks in one half.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975741|title=Rubio, Jazz, spoil Davis triple-double, 116–99|access-date=March 11, 2018|date=March 11, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312144911/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975741|url-status=live}} Davis earned NBA Player of the Month for both the Month of February 2018 on March 1 and for the March/April time period on April 11.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/news/lebron-james-anthony-davis-players-month-february-official-release|title=Cavaliers' LeBron James, Pelicans' Anthony Davis tabbed Kia Players of Month for February|accessdate=April 18, 2024|date=March 1, 2018|work=NBA.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/anthony-davis-named-western-conference-player-month-4-12-18|title=Anthony Davis Named Western Conference Player of the Month|accessdate=April 18, 2024|date=April 12, 2018|work=NBA.com}} In the Pelicans' regular season finale on April 11, Davis had 22 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks and three steals in a 122–98 win over the Spurs.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975972|title=Davis, Rondo power Pelicans past Spurs, 122–98|access-date=April 11, 2018|date=April 11, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=April 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412145622/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975972|url-status=live}}

In Game 1 of the Pelicans' first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers, Davis had 35 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks and two steals in a 97–95 win. It was the Pelicans' first postseason win since 2011 and the first of Davis's six-year career.{{cite web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|authorlink=Brian Windhorst|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23179684|title=Pelicans' Anthony Davis: 'Feels good to get that first win'|access-date=April 15, 2018|date=April 14, 2018|publisher=ESPN|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428145513/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23179684|url-status=live}} In Game 4, Davis scored 33 of his franchise playoff-record 47 points in the second half, as the Pelicans completed a first-round sweep of the Trail Blazers with a 131–123 victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401029462|title=Davis' 47 points leads Pelicans to sweep of Trail Blazers|access-date=April 21, 2018|date=April 21, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017094707/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401029462|url-status=live}} In Game 3 of the Pelicans' second-round series against the Golden State Warriors, Davis recorded 33 points, 18 rebounds and four steals, as the Pelicans defeated the Warriors 119–100 to trim Golden State's series lead to 2–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401031646|title=Dominant Davis leads Pelicans past Warriors, 119–100.|access-date=May 5, 2018|date=May 4, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505205551/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401031646|url-status=live}} The Pelicans went on to lose the series in five games, with Davis recording 34 points, 19 rebounds and four blocks in a 113–104 loss in Game 5.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401031648|title=Curry, Durant lead Warriors into Western Conference finals|access-date=May 8, 2018|date=May 8, 2018|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=May 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509220418/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401031648|url-status=live}} At the end of the season, he finished 3rd in the NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting and 3rd in the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award voting.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/anthony-davis-earns-third-place-mvp-defensive-player-year-vote|title=Anthony Davis earns third place in MVP, Defensive Player of Year vote|website=nba.com|last=Eichenhofer|first=Jim|date=June 26, 2018|access-date=August 2, 2022|archive-date=April 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402000951/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/anthony-davis-earns-third-place-mvp-defensive-player-year-vote|url-status=live}} Following the season, he earned his first NBA All-Defensive First Team and his third All-NBA First Team selections.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/05/23/all-defensive-teams-official-release-2017-18-season|title=Rudy Gobert, Anthony Davis headline 2017–18 NBA All-Defensive first team|access-date=May 24, 2018|date=May 23, 2018|work=NBA.com|archive-date=May 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527170209/http://www.nba.com/article/2018/05/23/all-defensive-teams-official-release-2017-18-season|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/05/24/2017-18-all-nba-teams-revealed-official-release|title=LeBron James, James Harden unanimously selected to All-NBA First Team|access-date=May 24, 2018|date=May 24, 2018|work=NBA.com|archive-date=June 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614010909/http://www.nba.com/article/2018/05/24/2017-18-all-nba-teams-revealed-official-release|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/anthony-davis-named-2017-18-all-nba-first-team|title=Anthony Davis Named to 2017–18 All-NBA First Team|access-date=May 24, 2018|date=May 24, 2018|work=NBA.com|archive-date=May 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525065655/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/anthony-davis-named-2017-18-all-nba-first-team|url-status=live}}

==Requesting a trade (2018–2019)==

In the Pelicans' season opener on October 17, Davis had 32 points, 16 rebounds and a career-high eight assists to go with three blocks and three steals in a 131–112 win over the Houston Rockets.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070215|title=Davis, Mirotic lead Pelicans past Rockets 131–112|publisher=ESPN|date=October 17, 2018|access-date=October 17, 2018|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=May 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517134904/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070215|url-status=live}} On November 7, he had 32 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks in a 107–98 win over the Chicago Bulls.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070840|title=Davis' big night helps Pelicans end 6-game skid, beat Bulls|publisher=ESPN|date=November 7, 2018|access-date=November 7, 2018|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=November 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108070847/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070840|url-status=live}} On November 12, he had 25 points and a season-high 20 rebounds in a 126–110 win over the Toronto Raptors. It was the fifth 20-point, 20-rebound game of Davis's career.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070873|title=Davis has 25 points, 20 boards, Pelicans top Raptors 126–110|publisher=ESPN|date=November 12, 2018|access-date=November 12, 2018|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=November 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113125412/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070873|url-status=live}} On November 16, he scored a season-high 43 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in a 129–124 win over the New York Knicks.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070903|title=Davis scores 43 points, Pelicans tally to beat Knicks|publisher=ESPN|date=November 16, 2018|access-date=November 17, 2018|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=November 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117151228/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070903|url-status=live}} A day later, he recorded 40 points, eight rebounds and a career high-tying eight assists in a 125–115 win over the Denver Nuggets.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070909|title=Davis scores 40, leads the Pelicans past the Nuggets 125–115|publisher=ESPN|date=November 17, 2018|access-date=November 17, 2018|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=November 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118164449/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070909|url-status=live}} On November 21, Davis missed the third of three free throws with 2.5 seconds left, as the Pelicans lost 121–120 to the Philadelphia 76ers. He finished with 12 points and 16 rebounds and reached 10,000 career points with a dunk late in the first half.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070934|title=Embiid, 76ers top Pelicans after Davis' missed free throw|publisher=ESPN|date=November 21, 2018|access-date=November 21, 2018|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=April 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429070707/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401070934|url-status=live}} He became the eighth-youngest player to reach the milestone at the age of 25 years and 255 days.{{cite web |title=Anthony Davis becomes eighth-youngest to reach 10,000 career points |url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/11/21/anthony-davis-becomes-eighth-youngest-reach-10000-points |website=NBA.com |access-date=November 22, 2018 |date=November 21, 2018 |archive-date=November 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122055817/http://www.nba.com/article/2018/11/21/anthony-davis-becomes-eighth-youngest-reach-10000-points |url-status=live }} Davis also recorded 5 steals, 5 blocks and 6 assists to achieve a five-by-five.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/anthony-davis-misses-game-tying-free-throw|title=Anthony Davis gets 5x5, but misses game-tying free throw|accessdate=April 26, 2024|date=November 21, 2018|publisher=NBC Sports|last=Feldman|first=Dan}} On December 5, he scored 27 points to go with a career-high nine assists, five blocks and four rebounds (nine below his average) in a 132–106 win over the Dallas Mavericks.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071044|title=Randle, Davis push Pelicans past Mavericks 132–106|publisher=ESPN|date=December 5, 2018|access-date=December 5, 2018|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=March 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328115713/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071044|url-status=live}} On December 12, he had 44 points and 18 rebounds in a 118–114 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071092|title=Davis' 44 points, 18 rebounds, helps Pelicans top Thunder|publisher=ESPN|date=December 12, 2018|access-date=December 12, 2018|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216001040/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071092|url-status=live}} On December 28, he hit a go-ahead, fall-away jumper with 43.9 seconds left and scored a season-high 48 points to lift the Pelicans to a 114–112 win over the Mavericks.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071199|title=Davis, Pelicans hold off Doncic-led Mavs 114–112|publisher=ESPN|date=December 28, 2018|access-date=December 29, 2018|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229171427/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071199|url-status=live}} On January 2, 2019, Davis posted a career-high and franchise-record 26 rebounds along with 34 points against the Brooklyn Nets.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071233|title=Nets build big lead, hold off Davis, Pelicans 126–121|publisher=ESPN|date=January 2, 2019|access-date=January 3, 2019|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626212912/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071233|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071255|title=Pelicans send Cavaliers to 9th straight loss, 133–98|publisher=ESPN|date=January 5, 2019|access-date=January 6, 2019|agency=Associated Press|quote=Davis set a franchise record with 26 rebounds and scored a game-high 34 points in Wednesday's loss to Brooklyn.|archive-date=January 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107072038/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071255|url-status=live}} On January 14, he had 46 points and 16 rebounds in a 121–117 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071326|title=Davis scores 46, Pelicans beat Clippers 121–117|publisher=ESPN|date=January 14, 2019|access-date=January 15, 2019|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=January 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115081707/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071326|url-status=live}} On January 19, he was ruled out for one to two weeks with a left index finger sprain, an injury sustained the previous night against the Portland Trail Blazers.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/anthony-davis-injury-update-1-19-19|title=Anthony Davis Injury Update|work=NBA.com|date=January 19, 2019|access-date=January 19, 2019}}

On January 28, Davis informed the Pelicans that he would not sign a contract extension in the coming off-season, and requested a trade. He was eligible to become a free agent in the summer of 2020.{{cite web|last=Wojnarowski|first=Adrian|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25868546|title=Anthony Davis has told Pelicans he won't re-sign, agent says|work=ESPN.com|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019}}{{cite news|last=Stein|first=Marc|title=Anthony Davis Wants Out of New Orleans, and the Lakers May Be His Destination|date=January 28, 2019|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/28/sports/anthony-davis-new-orleans-pelicans.html|access-date=January 28, 2019}} A day later, the NBA fined him $50,000 for making his request public.{{cite news|last=Kwic|first=Chris|title=Anthony Davis fined $50,000 after agent went public with trade request|date=January 28, 2019|newspaper=Yahoo! Sports|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/anthony-davis-fined-50000-agent-went-public-trade-request-225231114.html|access-date=January 29, 2019}} Davis recovered from his injury and was available to play, but the Pelicans said they would hold him out until after the league trade deadline on February 7.{{cite news|last=Wright|first=Michael C.|title=Pelicans to sit Anthony Davis until trade deadline passes|date=February 7, 2019|website=ESPN.com|url=https://global.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25938197/new-orleans-pelicans-sit-anthony-davis-trade-deadline|access-date=February 9, 2019}} After the deadline passed without a trade, the team announced that Davis would play the rest of the season; they faced potential fines by the league if they held him out.{{cite news|last=Lopez|first=Andrew|title=Pelicans could've been fined $100,000 a game for sitting Anthony Davis: report|date=February 8, 2019|newspaper=The Times-Picayune|url=https://www.nola.com/pelicans/2019/02/pelicans-couldve-been-fined-100000-a-game-for-sitting-anthony-davis-report.html|access-date=February 9, 2019}}{{cite news|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|title=NBA stressed rest rule, $100K fine to Pelicans over Anthony Davis|date=February 8, 2019|website=ESPN.com|url=https://global.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25954077/nba-stressed-rest-rule-100k-fine-pelicans-anthony-davis|access-date=February 9, 2019}} On February 8, he played for first time since his trade request. He had 32 points, nine rebounds and three blocks in 25 minutes before being benched for the entire fourth quarter in a 122–117 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071496|title=Untraded Davis scores 32, Pelicans beat Wolves, 122–117|publisher=ESPN|date=February 8, 2019|access-date=February 8, 2019|agency=Associated Press}}

=Los Angeles Lakers (2019–2025)=

==First NBA championship (2019–2020)==

In July 2019, the Pelicans traded Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first-round draft picks, including the Lakers' No. 4 overall selection in the 2019 NBA draft.{{cite news |title=Lakers to acquire NBA superstar Anthony Davis in trade with Pelicans |first1=Tania |last1=Ganguli |first2=Broderick |last2=Turner |date=June 15, 2019 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-anthony-davis-lakers-pelicans-trade-20190614-story.html }}{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Adam |date=July 6, 2019 |title=Lakers News: Anthony Davis Trade Officially Completed, Joins LeBron James in LA |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2844531-lakers-news-anthony-davis-trade-officially-completed-joins-lebron-james-in-la |access-date=July 7, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=July 6, 2019 |title=Lakers Acquire Anthony Davis |url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/190706-lakers-acquire-davis |access-date=July 7, 2019 |website=Los Angeles Lakers |language=en}} He made his Lakers debut on October 22, 2019, against the Los Angeles Clippers, putting up 25 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in 37 minutes in a 112–102 loss.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401160624|title=Lakers vs. Clippers – Box Score – October 22, 2019 – ESPN|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=October 23, 2019}} On October 29, he became the first Laker to put up a 40-point and 20-rebound performance since Shaquille O'Neal in 2003.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1189403395603480576/photo/1|title=Anthony Davis is the first Lakers player with 40 Pts and 20 Reb in a game since @SHAQ in 2003 pic.twitter.com/WD5ahIrr3O|last=SportsCenter|date=October 29, 2019|website=@SportsCenter|language=en|access-date=October 30, 2019}} Additionally, Davis did this in 30 minutes of play, which has never been done in the history of the NBA.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/talkhoops/status/1189399581705981952|title=Anthony Davis has 40 points and 20 rebounds in 30 minutes. Nobody has ever done that in 30 minutes or less.|last=Harper|first=Zach|date=October 29, 2019|website=@talkhoops|language=en|access-date=October 30, 2019}} In the game Davis set the NBA record for free throws in a quarter (18) and the Lakers record for free throws in a half (18) and game (26). On November 27, Davis made his return to New Orleans for the first time since the trade, recording 41 points and 9 rebounds in a 114–110 win over the Pelicans. The 41 points set an NBA record for the most points scored by a player in his first game against a former team.{{cite news|last=Lopez|first=Andrew|title=Lakers' Anthony Davis scores game-high 41 points as Pelicans fans pepper him with boos|date=November 28, 2019|website=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28180267|access-date=March 20, 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/amp/league/article/2019/11/28/anthony-davis-lakers-pelicans-41-points |title=Anthony Davis' 41 points most by NBA player against former team |website=NBA.com |access-date=March 20, 2020 |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320015036/https://www.nba.com/amp/league/article/2019/11/28/anthony-davis-lakers-pelicans-41-points |url-status=dead }} On December 8, Davis scored a season-high 50 points in a 142–125 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28257416/anthony-davis-says-lakers-trio-urged-50-point-effort |title=Anthony Davis says Lakers trio urged 50-point effort |work=ESPN |last=McMenamin |first=Dave |date=December 9, 2019 |access-date=July 8, 2021 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209131739/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28257416/anthony-davis-says-lakers-trio-urged-50-point-effort?platform=amp |archive-date=December 9, 2019 }} On January 3, 2020, Davis had 46 points and 13 rebounds in a 123–113 win over the Pelicans.{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2869666-anthony-davis-erupts-for-46-lakers-beat-pelicans-in-ball-and-ingrams-la-return |title=Anthony Davis Erupts for 46, Lakers Beat Pelicans in Ball and Ingram's LA Return |work=Bleacher Report |last=Kasabian |first=Paul |date=January 4, 2020 |access-date=July 8, 2021 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105154356/https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2869666-anthony-davis-erupts-for-46-lakers-beat-pelicans-in-ball-and-ingrams-la-return.amp.html |archive-date=January 5, 2020 }} On January 5, Davis had 8 of the Lakers' 20 blocks against Detroit. Although 20 was one block shy of the franchise record, the team set an all-time NBA record for block percentage (25.6%) by blocking 20 of 78 shot attempts.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401161180|title=Lakers block 20 shots, hold off Pistons 106–99 in wild 4th|accessdate=May 3, 2024|date=January 6, 2020|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} On January 23, 2020, he was selected to be a front-court starter for the NBA All-Star Game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28292088|title=NBA All-Star Game 2020: Rosters, schedule, news and how to watch|access-date=January 30, 2020|date=January 23, 2020|publisher=ESPN}}

In January 2020, Davis declined the Lakers' offer of a four-year, $146 million max extension, opting to enter free agency, where he could earn a five-year, $202 million max contract in the upcoming summer.{{cite web | author = Mark Medina | url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2020/01/07/anthony-davis-declines-lakers-extension-free-agent-deal/2836186001/ | title = Anthony Davis declines Lakers' extension offer, still expected to re-sign next summer | date = January 7, 2020 | website = USA Today | archive-url = https://archive.today/20200201205819/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2020/01/07/anthony-davis-declines-lakers-extension-free-agent-deal/2836186001/ | archive-date = February 1, 2020 | url-status = live | access-date = February 1, 2020 }}{{cite web | author = Adam Zagoria| url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamzagoria/2020/01/07/anthony-davis-declines-lakers-max-extension-offer-will-enter-free-agency/ | title = Anthony Davis Declines Lakers' Max-Extension Offer, Will Enter Free Agency | date = January 7, 2020 | website = Forbes | archive-url = https://archive.today/20200201215859/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonpettigrove/2020/02/01/karim-benzema-proves-his-worth-in-furiously-fought-madrid-derby/%2333b44a9e1c38 | archive-date = February 1, 2020 | url-status = live}} On August 8, Davis had 42 points and 12 rebounds in a 116–108 win over the Utah Jazz to help the Lakers clinch the No. 1 playoff seed in the Western conference.{{cite web | website = Bleacher Report | url =https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2902980-anthony-davis-scores-42-to-lead-lebron-james-lakers-over-donovan-mitchell-jazz| title = Anthony Davis Scores 42 to Lead LeBron James, Lakers over Donovan Mitchell, Jazz}} Davis was the team leader in rebounds (9.3), blocks (2.3, 3rd in the NBA) and steals (1.5) for the season.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212113502/https://www.nba.com/gamenotes/lakers.pdf|url=https://www.nba.com/gamenotes/lakers.pdf|archivedate=December 12, 2020|title=Los Angeles Lakers Game Notes|work=NBA.com|accessdate=May 3, 2024}} He played in 62 of 71 games during the regular season and finished as a runner-up in voting for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.{{cite news|first=Dave|last=McMenamin|title=Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis on hypothetical trades: 'I can't control those things'|date=April 7, 2022|website=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33691872|access-date=April 8, 2022}} In Game 2 of the Western Conference finals, Davis hit a game winning 3-pointer against the Denver Nuggets while putting up 31 points and scoring the last 10 points for the Lakers in a 105–103 win for 2–0 lead in the series. It was Davis second career (first in the playoff) game-winning buzzer beater. They advanced to the 2020 NBA Finals, where Davis and LeBron James led the Lakers to a 4–2 win over the Miami Heat for the franchise's 17th championship, tying them with Boston for the most in league history.{{cite web|author=Gilbert McGregor|title=LeBron James and Anthony Davis lead Los Angeles Lakers to dominant title-clinching win in Game 6 over Miami Heat|url=https://ca.nba.com/news/nba-finals-2020-los-angeles-lakers-vs-miami-heat-game-6-lebron-james-anthony-davis-dominate-title-clinching-win-17-record/7ejiatekjgt61l0uifho1vlm8|website=ca.nba.com|date=October 11, 2020|access-date=October 11, 2020}} Davis became the eighth player to achieve the basketball Triple Crown, and the first player to win an NCAA title, an Olympic gold medal, a FIBA World Cup, and an NBA title,{{cite web |title=Anthony Davis |url=https://www.usab.com/players/anthony-davis |website=USAB.com |publisher=USA Basketball |access-date=February 4, 2025}}{{cite web|title=USA's Davis to make it a 'Grand Slam' of titles|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/news/usas-davis-the-first-to-make-it-a-grand-slam-of-titles|website=fiba.basketball|date=October 13, 2020|access-date=October 17, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Beslic |first= Stephen|date=November 11, 2022 |title=Eight players who have won NCAA, NBA, and Olympic titles |url=https://www.basketballnetwork.net/latest-news/seven-players-who-have-won-ncaa-nba-and-olympic-titles |work= Basketball Network|location= |access-date=November 27, 2024}}{{cite news |last= Cohn|first=Jordan |date= October 11, 2020|title= Anthony Davis joins 7 other players to win NBA Finals, NCAA Championship, Olympic gold medal|url=https://www.audacy.com/thefandc/sports/nba/anthony-davis-joins-basketballs-triple-crown-club |work=106.7 The Fan |location= |access-date=November 27, 2024}} Davis and James were the first teammates to be first team All-NBA since 2007.

==Injury-plagued seasons (2020–2022)==

On December 3, 2020, Davis re-signed with the Lakers on a five-year, $190 million contract that included an early termination option prior to the fifth season in 2024–25.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/lakers-re-sign-anthony-davis-free-agency2021|title=Lakers Re-sign Anthony Davis|website=NBA.com|date=December 3, 2020|access-date=December 4, 2020}}{{cite web|last=Wojnarowski|first=Adrian|authorlink=Adrian Wojnarowski|date=December 3, 2020|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30442167|title=Anthony Davis agrees to five-year, $190 million maximum contract to stay with Los Angeles Lakers|website=ESPN.com|access-date=December 3, 2020}} For the 2020–21 season, he was sidelined for 30 games from February to April 2021, the longest absence of his career, due to right calf and heel issues.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401307696|title=Doncic, Mavs beat Lakers 115–110 as LA star Davis returns|publisher=Associated Press|date=April 22, 2021|access-date=April 22, 2021|via=ESPN.com}} In the opening round of the playoffs, the Lakers were up 2–1 in the series against the Phoenix Suns when Davis suffered a strained left groin in Game 4.{{Cite news|last=Golliver|first=Ben|date=May 31, 2021|title=Anthony Davis exits early from Lakers' Game 4 loss to Suns with groin strain|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/05/30/anthony-davis-injury-groin/|access-date=November 28, 2024|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=October 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026143537/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/05/30/anthony-davis-injury-groin/|url-status=live}} He was also sidelined in Game 5, when the Suns took a 3–2 lead. The Lakers were eliminated in six games, despite Davis playing only five minutes in the first quarter of a 113–100 closeout loss in Game 6.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31563066|title=Anthony Davis out for rest of Los Angeles Lakers' Game 6 against Phoenix Suns|website=ESPN.com|date=June 3, 2021|access-date=June 3, 2021}}{{cite news|last=Shelburne|first=Ramona|authorlink=Ramona Shelburne|date=June 3, 2021|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/31563367|title=A Los Angeles Lakers sequel that failed to live up to the original|website=ESPN.com|access-date=June 4, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401327905|title=Booker scores 47, Suns eliminate champion Lakers, 113–100|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=June 4, 2021|access-date=November 28, 2024}}

On December 17, Davis exited in the third quarter of a 110–92 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves after suffering an MCL sprain in his left knee.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=December 18, 2021|url=https://www.nba.com/news/lakers-anthony-davis-sprained-mcl|title=Anthony Davis out at least 4 weeks with left knee injury|website=NBA.com|access-date=February 7, 2022}} He missed 17 games before returning in late January,{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/news/lakers-anthony-davis-returns-vs-nets-after-missing-17-games-with-mcl-sprain/UdkFyfPzXtXy/|title=Lakers' Anthony Davis returns vs. Nets after missing 17 games with MCL sprain|website=The Athletic|date=January 26, 2022|access-date=February 21, 2022}} and for the first time since 2013 was not selected for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.{{cite web|last=Medina|first=Mark|date=February 4, 2022|url=https://www.nba.com/news/anthony-davis-isnt-an-all-star-this-season-but-hes-aiming-to-play-like-one-again|title=Anthony Davis isn't an All-Star this season, but he's aiming to play like one again|website=NBA.com|access-date=February 21, 2022}} On February 16, 2022, in a 106–101 win against the Utah Jazz,{{cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/anthony-davis-leaves-game-vs-jazz-with-apparent-ankle-injury|title=Anthony Davis leaves game vs. Jazz with right ankle injury|website=NBA.com|access-date=February 17, 2022}} Davis injured his right ankle and missed 18 games. In the 40 games he played during the season, Davis averaged 23.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.3 blocks in 35.1 minutes of per game, and the Lakers missed the playoffs.{{cite magazine|last=Jackson|first=Wilton|date=April 8, 2022|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2022/04/08/anthony-davis-training-regimens-top-tier-despite-string-of-injuries-lakers|title=Anthony Davis Says His Training Regimens Were 'Top Tier' Despite String of Injuries|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=April 14, 2022}}

==Return from injury and Western Conference Finals (2022–2023)==

On November 13, 2022, Davis scored 37 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in a 116–103 win over the Brooklyn Nets, to help the Los Angeles Lakers snap a five-game losing streak.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468353|title=Davis scores season-high 37, Lakers beat Nets to snap skid|website=ESPN.com|date=November 13, 2022|access-date=November 14, 2022}} In the next game, Davis recorded a then season-high 38 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks in a 128–121 win over the Detroit Pistons.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468389|title=Davis leads Lakers past Pistons 128–121 for 2nd straight win|website=ESPN.com|date=November 18, 2022|access-date=November 19, 2022}} On November 22, Davis posted a then-season-high 21 rebounds along with 37 points, 5 steals and 5 blocks in a 115–105 loss against the Phoenix Suns. He became the first player since the 1973–74 season (when blocks and steals became an official stat) to record 35-plus points, 20-plus boards, 5-plus steals and 5-plus blocks in a game. It was his fourth consecutive game with 30-plus points and 15-plus rebounds. Davis also became just the third Laker in franchise history to record 30-plus points and 15-plus rebounds in four consecutive games, joining Elgin Baylor (had seven such streaks) and Shaquille O'Neal (November 19–26, 1999).{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468414|title=Suns hold on to win 115–105, Lakers' Beverley ejected|website=ESPN.com|date=November 22, 2022|access-date=November 23, 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/lakers-anthony-davis-historic-performance|title=Lakers' Anthony Davis turns in historic performance|website=NBA.com|date=November 23, 2022|access-date=November 23, 2022}}

On December 2, Davis scored a then season-high 44 points, along with 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks in a 133–129 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468486|title=Davis scores 44, LeBron passes Magic as Lakers beat Bucks|website=ESPN.com|date=December 2, 2022|access-date=December 3, 2022}} On December 4, Davis scored a season-high 55 points along with 17 rebounds and three blocks in a 130–119 win over the Washington Wizards. He joined Kevin McHale as only the second player in NBA history to put up at least 55 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks in a game since blocks became an official stat in the 1973–74 season. Davis became only the fourth player to score at least 99 points in a two-game span while shooting at least 70% from the field; Elgin Baylor had three of those streaks, Wilt Chamberlain had two and David Thompson had one. He also became the first Laker with back-to-back 40-point games since Kobe Bryant in March 2013.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-anthony-davis-legendary-stat-line-vs-wizards-etches-name-in-nba-history|title=Anthony Davis' legendary stat line vs. Wizards etches name in NBA history|website=ClutchPoints|last=Villas|first=Rexwell|date=December 4, 2022|access-date=December 4, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/news/with-99-points-in-2-games-lakers-anthony-davis-on-big-roll|title=With 99 points in 2 games, Lakers' Anthony Davis on big roll|website=NBA.com|date=December 5, 2022|access-date=December 5, 2022}} On December 5, Davis was named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Week for Week 7 (November 28 – December 4), his eighth career NBA Player of the Week award and first with the Lakers. He led the Lakers to 3–1 week with averages of 37.8 points, 13.0 rebounds and 3.25 blocks.{{Cite web |title=Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant named NBA Players of the Week |url=https://www.nba.com/news/nba-players-week-anthony-davis-kevin-durant |access-date=December 7, 2022 |website=NBA.com|date=December 5, 2022}}

On January 25, 2023, Davis returned after missing the previous twenty games with a right foot injury. He posted 21 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks in 26 minutes off the bench in a 113–104 win over the San Antonio Spurs.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401468884|title=Davis scores 21 points in return as Lakers defeat Spurs|website=ESPN.com|date=January 25, 2023|access-date=January 27, 2023}} On February 26, he led the Lakers to a 111–108 come-from-behind victory over the Dallas Mavericks with 30 points and 15 rebounds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks/news/dallas-mavs-los-angeles-lakers-recap-luka-doncic-kyrie-irving-lebron-james-anthony-davis|title=Anthony Davis' Big Outing Leads Lakers' 27-Point Comeback vs. Mavs|publisher=Sports Illustrated|date=February 26, 2023|access-date=April 21, 2023}} It was the biggest comeback of the season at that time, and the Lakers' biggest comeback in franchise history since 2002.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-complete-biggest-nba-comeback-of-the-season-in-111-108-stunner-over-mavericks/|title=Lakers complete biggest NBA comeback of the season in 111–108 stunner over Mavericks|first=Sam|last=Quinn|work=CBS Sports|date=February 27, 2023|access-date=April 21, 2023}} On March 5, Davis recorded 39 points, eight rebounds and six assists in an 113–105 win over the reigning champions the Golden State Warriors.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401469119|title=Davis leads Lakers past Warriors 113–105 in Curry's return|website=ESPN.com|date=March 5, 2023|access-date=March 7, 2023}} On March 7, Davis put up 30 points and a season-high 22 rebounds in a 112–103 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. He also became the first Laker to drop multiple games with at least 30 points and 20 rebounds in a season since Shaquille O'Neal in 2003–04 season.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-anthony-davis-goes-full-shaq-with-astonishing-achievement-not-seen-in-nearly-2-decades|title=Anthony Davis goes full Shaq with astonishing achievement not seen in nearly 2 decades|website=ClutchPoints|last=Villas|first=Rexwell|date=March 7, 2023|access-date=March 7, 2023}} On April 3, Davis was named NBA Western Conference Player of the Week for Week 20 (March 27 – April 2). Davis averaged 38.7 points (.652 FG%, .806 FT%), 11.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 2.0 blocks in three games, as the Lakers finished the week 3–0 with road victories over Chicago, Minnesota and Houston.{{Cite web |title=Anthony Davis Named NBA Western Conference Player of the Week |url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/news/anthony-davis-named-nba-western-conference-player-of-the-week-4-3-23 |access-date=April 10, 2023 |website=NBA.com|date=April 3, 2023}} He also earned NBA Western Conference Player of the Month for March/April on April 11, 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/news/kia-players-of-the-month-march-april-2022-23|title=Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid named Kia Players of the Month|accessdate=April 18, 2024|date=April 11, 2023|work=NBA.com}}

In Game 1 of the Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies, Davis recorded 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, three steals and a playoff career-high seven blocks in a 128–112 win.{{Cite web |title=Hachimura's big 2nd half leads LA past Memphis in Game 1 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401540756 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=ESPN.com|date=April 16, 2023}} In Game 3 of the Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies, Davis put up 31 points, 17 rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks in a 111–101 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401469119|title=LeBron's Lakers beat Grizzlies 111–101, take 2–1 series lead|website=ESPN.com|date=April 22, 2023|access-date=April 23, 2023}} In Game 1 of the Lakers' second-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, Davis posted 30 points, a playoff career-high 23 rebounds, five assists and four blocks in a 117–112 win. He joined Tim Duncan as the only players in NBA history to put up at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, five assists and three blocks in a playoff game.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-anthony-davis-joins-only-tim-duncan-in-nba-history-with-insane-dominance-of-warriors|title=Lakers' Anthony Davis joins only Tim Duncan in NBA history with insane dominance of Warriors|website=ClutchPoints|last=Burton|first=Matthan|date=May 2, 2023|access-date=May 2, 2023}} In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, Davis recorded 40 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks in a 132–126 loss against the Denver Nuggets.{{cite web |title=Nikola Jokic leads Nuggets past Lakers 132–126 in West opener |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401547679 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=May 18, 2023 |date=May 16, 2023}} The Lakers ultimately lost the series to the eventual NBA champion Nuggets in a four-game sweep.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401547684|title=Jokic leads Denver Nuggets past LeBron's Lakers 113–111, into their first NBA Finals|website=ESPN.com|date=May 22, 2023|accessdate=May 24, 2023}} During the 2023 playoffs, Davis became the third Lakers player with 50 blocks in a single postseason, behind only Shaquille O'Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.{{Cite web |date=August 5, 2023 |title=Lakers, Anthony Davis agree to NBA's richest annual extension |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/lakers-anthony-davis-agree-nbas-richest-annual-extension/story?id=102029740 |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=ABC News |language=en}}

==NBA Cup champion and final seasons with the Lakers (2023–2025)==

On August 4, 2023, Davis signed a three-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/38135013/lakers-anthony-davis-agree-nba-richest-annual-extension|title=Lakers, Anthony Davis agree to NBA's richest annual extension|website=ESPN.com|date=August 4, 2023|access-date=August 4, 2023}} On December 10, 2023, Davis won the inaugural NBA Cup with the Lakers after winning the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament. Davis had 41 points on 16-for-24 shooting, 20 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks against the Indiana Pacers in the championship game. Davis was recognized as a member of the All-Tournament team.{{cite tweet|user=NBA|number=1733704554342908078|url=https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1733704554342908078|title=The @Lakers are the first-ever NBA In-Season Tournament Champions!|date=December 9, 2023|accessdate=December 9, 2023}}{{Cite web |last=Bontemps |first=Time |title=Lakers win NBA Cup; LeBron James earns in-season tournament MVP |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39080368/lakers-win-nba-cup-lebron-james-earns-season-tournament-mvp |access-date=November 28, 2023 |website=ESPN|language=en}} On January 9, 2024, he scored 20 of his season-high 41 points in the fourth quarter on 13-of-17 shooting, 2-of-2 from three, 13-of-14 from the free throw line along with eleven rebounds and six assists in a 132–131 win over the Toronto Raptors.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/news/anthony-davis-dominates-as-lakers-fend-off-raptors-for-hard-fought-win-1-9-24|title=Anthony Davis Dominates as Lakers Fend off Raptors for Hard-Fought Win|website=NBA.com|date=January 9, 2024|accessdate=January 12, 2024}} On January 13, Davis recorded his second career triple-double with 15 points, 15 rebounds, a career-high 11 assists and four blocks in a 132–125 loss against the Utah Jazz.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401585177|title=Jazz rally past Lakers 132–123, extending winning streak to five|website=ESPN.com|date=January 13, 2024|accessdate=January 14, 2024}}

On February 1, Davis was named as reserve for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, his ninth selection.{{cite web| title=2024 NBA All-Star reserves announced | website=NBA.com | date=February 2, 2024 | url=https://www.nba.com/news/2024-nba-all-star-reserves-announced | access-date=October 18, 2024}} On February 5, Davis put up his third career triple-double with 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 124–118 win over the Charlotte Hornets. He also became the first player in Lakers franchise history to put up at least 25 points on 75% shooting, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-anthony-davis-secures-la-triple-double-feat-not-even-lebron-james-magic-johnson-achieved|title=Lakers' Anthony Davis secures triple-double feat not even LeBron James, Magic Johnson achieved|website=ClutchPoints|last=Pagaduan|first=Jedd|date=February 5, 2024|access-date=February 6, 2024}} On February 29, Davis posted 40 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in a 134–131 overtime win over the Washington Wizards.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401585484|title=Lakers send the Wizards to their 13th straight loss with a 134–131 overtime victory|website=ESPN.com|date=February 29, 2024|accessdate=March 2, 2024}} On March 10, Davis logged 27 points, a season-high 25 rebounds, a career-high seven steals, five assists, and three blocks in a 120–109 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves; he became the first player in NBA history to record 25+ points, 25+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 5+ steals in a single game.{{Cite web|last=Quinn|first=Sam|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/anthony-davis-makes-nba-history-with-the-first-25-point-25-rebound-5-assist-5-steal-game/|title=Anthony Davis makes NBA history with the first 25-point, 25-rebound, 5-assist, 5-steal game|work=CBS Sports|date=March 11, 2024|access-date=March 11, 2024}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/anthony-davis-bullies-timberwolves-with-27-points-25-rebounds-in-lakers-120-109-victory-2/|title=Anthony Davis bullies Timberwolves with 27 points, 25 rebounds in Lakers' 120–109 victory|publisher=CBS News|date=March 11, 2024|access-date=March 11, 2024}} On March 16, he suffered an eye contusion in a game against the Golden State Warriors.{{Cite web|last=Reedy|first=Joe|url=https://apnews.com/article/lakers-anthony-davis-warriors-injury-a22fffe97d2357b6ca7db94e322a45e4|title=Lakers' Anthony Davis suffers eye injury during first quarter against Warriors|publisher=Associated Press|date=March 16, 2024|access-date=March 31, 2024}} The Lakers lost the game 128–121.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/lebrons-40-not-enough-as-currys-31-in-return-lifts-warriors-past-lakers-128-121|title=Curry scores 31 in return as Warriors defeat Lakers 128–121 despite 40 points from James|publisher=NBC Sports|date=March 17, 2024|access-date=March 31, 2024}} On March 26, Davis recorded 34 points, 23 rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks, playing a career-high 52 minutes in a 128–124 double overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401585673|title=Reaves' triple-double, tiebreaking 3 helps rally Lakers past Bucks in 2OTs without LeBron James|website=ESPN.com|date=March 26, 2024|access-date=March 28, 2024}}{{Cite web|last=Santomauro|first=Brandon|url=https://hoopswire.com/anthony-davis-52-minutes-in-lakers-2ot-win-most-since-kobe-bryant-in-2012/|title=Anthony Davis' 52 Minutes In Lakers' 2OT Win Most Since Kobe Bryant In 2012|website=Hoopswire.com|date=March 26, 2024|access-date=March 28, 2024}} In Game 4 of the Lakers' first round playoffs series against the Denver Nuggets, Davis posted 25 points, 23 rebounds, and 6 assists in a 119–108 win. The Lakers would go on to lose to the Nuggets in five games despite strong play from Davis.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401655084|title=LeBron scores 30, and the Lakers avoid 1st-round elimination with a 119–108 win over champion Denver|website=ESPN.com|date=April 29, 2024|access-date=April 30, 2024}}

In the Lakers' season opener on October 22, Davis logged 36 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in a 110–103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He had a perfect fourth quarter where he scored 11 points without missing a field goal attempt. Davis posted his 15th game as a Laker with 35+ points and 15+ rebounds – tying Wilt Chamberlain for the fourth-most in team history. The Lakers are 13–2 in those games.{{cite web|url=https://fadeawayworld.net/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-fans-crazy-anthony-davis-masterclass-win-timberwolves|title=Lakers Fans Go Crazy After Anthony Davis Masterclass Leads To Win Over Timberwolves |website=Fadeaway World|date=October 22, 2024|access-date=October 23, 2024}}{{cite web| title= Starting 5, Oct. 23: A historic banner night & a never-before-seen NBA moment | website=NBA.com | date=October 23, 2024 | url= https://www.nba.com/news/starting-5-oct-23-a-historic-banner-night-a-never-before-seen-nba-moment | access-date=October 23, 2024}} On October 25, Davis scored 35 points in a 123–116 victory against the Phoenix Suns. He became the 3rd Lakers player to make consecutive 35-point games during his first two season games, after Jerry West and Elgin Baylor.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/news/5-takeaways-suns-lakers|title=Suns-Lakers: 5 takeaways as Anthony Davis helps erase 22-point deficit|publisher=National Basketball Association|date=October 26, 2024|access-date=October 26, 2024}} On November 15, Davis scored a season-high 40 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, including drilling two pivotal 3-pointers in the fourth quarter of a 120–115 win over the San Antonio Spurs.{{Cite web|url= https://www.thescore.com/news/3129831 |title=Davis' season-high 40 leads Lakers past Spurs to open NBA Cup title defense |publisher=theScore.com | date=November 15, 2024|access-date= November 15, 2024}} On December 6, Davis recorded 38 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists in a 134–132 overtime loss against the Atlanta Hawks.{{Cite web |title=Young hits 3-point in overtime to give Hawks 6 straight wins, 134–132 over Lakers |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401704900 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=ESPN|language=en}} On December 16, Davis tied his season-high with 40 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in a 116–110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.{{Cite web |title=Anthony Davis scores 40 points, LeBron James has 18 in return to help Lakers beat Grizzlies, 116–110 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401736814 |access-date=December 16, 2024 |website=ESPN|language=en}} On January 27, 2025, Davis opened the game against the Charlotte Hornets with 21 points and 11 rebounds in the first quarter, on his way to a 42 point, 23 rebound win.{{Cite web | title= Anthony Davis’ 21–11 1st Quarter vs Hornets Was the “Most Impressive Quarter of Basketball,” Says Austin Reaves |url= https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-anthony-davis-21-11-1st-quarter-was-the-most-impressive-quarter-of-basketball-says-austin-reaves/}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401705214|title=Anthony Davis scores 42 points, grabs 23 rebounds as Lakers top Hornets 112–107 for 4th straight win|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=January 27, 2025|access-date=January 28, 2025}} Ahead of the league's February trade deadline, he renewed calls for the Lakers to acquire a center, freeing him to play his preferred power forward position.{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Woike|title=Inside the Lakers’ complex approach to NBA trade deadline decisions|date=January 29, 2025|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2025-01-29/inside-lakers-trade-deadline-decisions|access-date=February 2, 2025}}{{cite news|first=Jovan|last=Buha|title=LeBron James, Anthony Davis ramp up off-court statements with on-court rout of Celtics|date=January 24, 2025|work=The Athletic|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6085196/2025/01/24/lebron-james-anthony-davis-lakers-pressure-front-office/|url-access=subscription|access-date=February 2, 2025|quote=It's no secret that Davis has preferred to play power forward more than center, or that James and Davis want the Lakers to take bigger swings with their assets and improve the roster significantly.}} On January 30, Davis was named as reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, his tenth selection.{{cite web| title= Victor Wembanyama, Jaylen Brown highlight 2025 All-Star Game reserves | website=NBA.com | date=January 30, 2025 | url= https://www.nba.com/news/2025-nba-all-star-game-reserves | access-date=February 2, 2025}}

=Dallas Mavericks (2025–present)=

On February 2, 2025, Davis was traded, alongside Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. The Mavericks additionally traded a 2025 second round pick to the Utah Jazz, who also acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round pick from the Lakers.{{cite web|first=Eddie|last=Sefko|title=Mavericks acquire Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić|url=https://www.mavs.com/mavs-get-ad/|website=Mavs.com|date=February 2, 2025|access-date=February 2, 2025}} The trade was regarded as one of the most significant and unexpected in NBA history, marking the first time two reigning All-NBA players were traded for each other midseason.{{cite news|first=Jack|last=Baer|title=Lakers trade Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić in one of the most shocking deals in NBA history|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/lakers-trade-anthony-davis-for-luka-doncic-in-one-of-the-most-shocking-deals-in-nba-history-051920660.html|work=Yahoo Sports|date=February 2, 2025|access-date=February 2, 2025}}{{cite news|first=Jack|last=Maloney|title=Lakers trade Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic in shocking NBA blockbuster with Mavericks and Jazz|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-trade-anthony-davis-for-luka-doncic-in-shocking-nba-blockbuster-with-mavericks-and-jazz-per-reports/|work=CBS Sports|date=February 2, 2025|access-date=February 2, 2025}}{{cite news|first=Jason|last=Abbruzzese|title='Crazy': NBA stars and pundits shocked by Luka Doncic trade|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nba/crazy-nba-stars-pundits-shocked-luka-doncic-trade-rcna190331|work=NBC News|date=February 2, 2025|access-date=February 2, 2025}}

On February 8, Davis made his Mavericks debut, putting up 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in a 116–105 win over the Houston Rockets. He also joined Dončić and Michael Finley as the only players to put up at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a half in Mavericks franchise history.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/mavericks-news-anthony-davis-wild-luka-doncic-franchise-club-debut|title=Anthony Davis joins wild Luka Doncic franchise club in Mavericks debut|website=ClutchPoints|last=Villas|first=Rexwell|date=February 8, 2025|access-date=February 8, 2025}} Davis strained his left adductor in the game, however, which analysts expected to sideline him for multiple weeks.{{cite web|last1=Charania|first=Shams|author-link1=Shams Charania|last2=MacMahon|first2=Tim|author-link2=Tim MacMahon|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43772265/sources-anthony-davis-multiple-weeks-adductor-strain|title=Sources: Anthony Davis out multiple weeks with adductor strain|publisher=ESPN|date=February 9, 2025|accessdate=February 10, 2025}} On March 17, 2025, Davis was assigned to the Texas Legends.{{cite news | last=MacMahon | first=Tim | title=Mavericks send Anthony Davis to G League to prep for return | date=March 17, 2025 | url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44290626/mavericks-send-anthony-davis-g-league-prep-return | work=espn.com }} After missing 18 games, Davis returned from injury on March 24 in a 120–101 win over the Brooklyn Nets.{{cite web|last=Bontemps|first=Tim|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44394097/no-doubt-return-help-hobbled-mavs|title=Anthony Davis: 'No doubt' about return to help hobbled Mavs|publisher=ESPN|date=March 24, 2025|accessdate=March 30, 2025}} He hit a game-winning shot against the Atlanta Hawks on April 2, returning late after suffering an eye injury earlier in the game. Davis finished the game with 34 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks. He also joined Daniel Gafford as the only players in franchise history to record a game with at least 30 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks.{{Cite web |date=April 3, 2025 |title=Mavericks' Anthony Davis returns from eye injury to hit game-winner in huge result for playoff pursuit |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/mavericks-anthony-davis-returns-from-eye-injury-to-hit-game-winner-in-huge-result-for-playoff-pursuit/ |access-date=April 3, 2025 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}} On April 11, Davis recorded his fourth career triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and a season-high 7 blocks in a 124–102 win over the Toronto Raptors. He became the first player in NBA history to post 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, 10+ assists and 5+ blocks in under 31 minutes.{{Cite web |title=Anthony Davis gets first triple-double of the season to lead Mavericks past Raptors 124–102 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401705744 |access-date=April 12, 2025 |website=ESPN|language=en}}{{cite web| title=Starting 5, April 12: East seeds set, Lakers clinch 3rd, 7 West seeds still in play | website=NBA.com | date=April 12, 2025 | url=https://www.nba.com/news/starting-5-april-12-east-seeds-set-lakers-clinch-3rd-7-west-seeds-still-in-play | access-date=April 12, 2025}}

Career statistics

=NBA=

==Regular season==

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2012}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New Orleans

| 64 || 60 || 28.8 || .516 || .000 || .751 || 8.2 || 1.0 || 1.2 || 1.8 || 13.5

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2013}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New Orleans

| 67 || 66 || 35.2 || .519 || .222 || .791 || 10.0 || 1.6 || 1.3 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 2.8* || 20.8

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2014}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New Orleans

| 68 || 68 || 36.1 || .535 || .083 || .805 || 10.2 || 2.2 || 1.5 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 2.9* || 24.4

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2015}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New Orleans

| 61 || 61 || 35.5 || .493 || .324 || .758 || 10.3 || 1.9 || 1.3 || 2.0 || 24.3

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2016}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New Orleans

| 75 || 75 || 36.1 || .505 || .299 || .802 || 11.8 || 2.1 || 1.3 || 2.2 || 28.0

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2017}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New Orleans

| 75 || 75 || 36.4 || .534 || .340 || .828 || 11.1 || 2.3 || 1.5 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 2.6* || 28.1

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2018}}

| style="text-align:left;"|New Orleans

| 56 || 56 || 33.0 || .517 || .331 || .794 || 12.0 || 3.9 || 1.6 || 2.4 || 25.9

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2019}}{{dagger}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 62 || 62 || 34.4 || .503 || .330 || .846 || 9.3 || 3.2 || 1.5 || 2.3 || 26.1

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2020}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 36 || 36 || 32.3 || .491 || .260 || .738 || 7.9 || 3.1 || 1.3 || 1.6 || 21.8

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2021}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 40 || 40 || 35.1 || .532 || .186 || .713 || 9.9 || 3.1 || 1.2 || 2.3 || 23.2

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2022}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 56 || 54 || 34.0 || .563 || .257 || .784 || 12.5 || 2.6 || 1.1 || 2.0 || 25.9

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2023}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 76 || 76 || 35.5 || .556 || .271 || .816 || 12.6 || 3.5 || 1.2 || 2.3 || 24.7

| style="text-align:left;" rowspan=2|{{nbay|2024}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 42 || 42 || 34.3 || .528 || .298 || .788 || 11.9 || 3.4 || 1.3 || 2.1 || 25.7

| style="text-align:left;"|Dallas

| 9 || 9 || 29.6 || .461 || .233 || .688 || 10.1 || 4.4 || .6 || 2.2 || 20.0

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/6583|title=Anthony Davis Stats|website=ESPN.com|access-date=November 23, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://stats.nba.com/player/#!/203076/stats/|title=Anthony Davis|website=NBA.com|access-date=November 23, 2015|archive-date=April 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401124428/http://stats.nba.com/player/#!/203076/stats/|url-status=dead}}

| 787 || 780 || 34.5 || .522 || .296 || .794 || 10.7 || 2.6 || 1.3 || 2.3 || 24.1

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|All-Star{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/davisan02.html |title=Anthony Davis |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=November 23, 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA-allstar-career-stats.html|title=NBA All-Star Career Stats|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=February 21, 2022}}

| 7 || 3 || 17.3 || .700 || .143 || .500 || 5.3 || 1.4 || 1.1 || .6 || 18.4

==Play-in==

| style="text-align:left;"| 2025

| style="text-align:left;"| Dallas

| 2 || 2 || 33.5 || .481 || .385 || .857 || 9.0 || 1.5 || 1.0 || 2.0 || 33.5

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 2 || 2 || 33.5 || .481 || .385 || .857 || 9.0 || 1.5 || 1.0 || 2.0 || 33.5

==Playoffs==

| style="text-align:left;"|2015

| style="text-align:left;"|New Orleans

| 4 || 4 || 42.9 || .540 || .000 || .889 || 11.0 || 2.0 || 1.3 || 3.0 || 31.5

| style="text-align:left;"|2018

| style="text-align:left;"|New Orleans

| 9 || 9 || 39.8 || .520 || .273 || .828 || 13.4 || 1.7 || 2.0 || 2.4 || 30.1

| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|2020{{dagger}}

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 21 || 21 || 36.6 || .571 || .383 || .832 || 9.7 || 3.5 || 1.2 || 1.4 || 27.7

| style="text-align:left;"|2021

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 5 || 5 || 28.8 || .403 || .182 || .833 || 6.6 || 2.6 || .6 || 1.6 || 17.4

| style="text-align:left;"|2023

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 16 || 16 || 38.0 || .520 || .333 || .852 || 14.1 || 2.6 || 1.4 || 3.1 || 22.6

| style="text-align:left;"|2024

| style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Lakers

| 5 || 5 || 41.6 || .634 || .000 || .808 || 15.6 || 4.0 || .4 || 1.6 || 27.8

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/6583/type/nba/seasontype/3|title=Anthony Davis Stats |work=ESPN.com |access-date=November 23, 2015}}

| 60 || 60 || 37.6 || .542 || .313 || .840 || 11.8 || 2.8 || 1.3 || 2.2 || 26.1

=College=

class="wikitable"

style="background:#cfecec; width:1em;"|*

| Led NCAA Division I

| style="text-align:left;"|2011–12

| style="text-align:left;"|Kentucky

| style="background:#cfecec;"|40* || 40 || 32.0 || .623 || .150 || .709 || 10.4 || 1.3 || 1.3 || style="background:#cfecec;"|4.7* || 14.2

=Records=

;NCAA

Freshman-season total blocked shots (186){{cite web|url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/2022/D1.pdf|title=2021–22 Division I Men's Basket ball Records|accessdate=April 27, 2022|publisher=NCAA.org}}
National Championship game blocked shots (6, tied)

;SEC

Single-season blocked shots (186){{cite web|url=http://a.espncdn.com/sec/basketball/ncb/2021/MBB%20Record%20Book.pdf|title=2022 Men's Basketball Record Book|accessdate=April 27, 2022|publisher=Southeastern Conference}}

;Kentucky{{cite web|url=https://ukathletics.com/documents/2021/12/23/2021_22_MBB_Record_Book.pdf|title=2021–22 Kentucky Men's Basketball Record Book|accessdate=April 27, 2022|publisher=UK Athletics|archive-date=April 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418160132/https://ukathletics.com/documents/2021/12/23//2021_22_MBB_Record_Book.pdf|url-status=dead}}

NCAA tournament single-game blocked shots (7)
SEC tournament single-game blocked shots (6)
Season-opener blocked shots (5)
SEC season-opener blocked shots (7)
Freshman field goal percentage (62.3%)
Career blocked shots per game (4.65)
Single-season blocked shots per game (4.65)
Single-season blocked shots (186)
Single-season games played (40, tied)
Single-season games started (40, tied)

;NBA

Free throws made in a quarter (18)
Single All-Star Game field goals made (26)
Single All-Star Game field goals made in a half (15)
Single All-Star Game field goals made in a quarter (10)

;New Orleans{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NOH/leaders_career.html|title=New Orleans Pelicans Career Leaders|accessdate=April 27, 2022|publisher=Basketball Reference}}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NOH/leaders_season.html|title=New Orleans Pelicans Season Leaders|accessdate=April 27, 2022|publisher=Basketball Reference}}

Career points (11,059)
Career rebounds (4,906)
Career offensive rebounds (1,208)
Career defensive rebounds (3,698)
Career blocked shots (1,121)
Career field goals made (4,153)
Career two-point field goals made (3,972)
Career free throws made (2,572)
Career points/game (23.7)
Career blocks/game (2.4)
Career player efficiency rating (27.4)
Career defensive win shares (25.6)
Single-season field goals (780)
Single-season 2-point field goals (730)
Single-season free throws (519)
Single-season defensive rebounds (712)
Single-season blocks (200)
Single-season points (2,110)
Single-season points/game (28.1)
Single-season blocks/game (2.9)
Single-season player efficiency rating (30.8)
Single-season defensive win shares (5.1)
Single-game points (59)
Single-game blocked shots (10)
Single-half blocked shots (6, tied)
Single-game rebounds (26)
Single-game free throws (21)

;Los Angeles

Single-game free throws made (26)
Single-half free throws made (18)

National team career

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| caption2 = Davis fields a question from Matt Winer at the 2014 World Basketball Festival with Team USA.

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On May 2, 2012, following a rash of injuries to players who had been on the 20-man Team USA basketball roster in January (notably center Dwight Howard), Davis was named as one of the finalists for the 2012 Olympic basketball team. Davis, along with Greg Monroe, was under consideration to fill the vacancy at center resulting from Howard's injury. Davis would be the first American player since Emeka Okafor (2004) to have competed in the Olympics without any prior NBA experience.{{Cite web |last=Amick |first=Sam |date=May 3, 2012 |title=Anthony Davis to be added as finalist for US Olympic roster |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/sam_amick/05/02/davis.team.usa/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504221043/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/sam_amick/05/02/davis.team.usa/index.html |archive-date=May 4, 2012 |access-date=May 3, 2012 |website=CNN/Sports Illustrated}} By the beginning of July, he was one of six players (along with Blake Griffin, James Harden, Rudy Gay, Andre Iguodala and Eric Gordon) competing for the final three roster spots, according to USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo.{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2012/07/9-of-12-olympic-spots-secured-for-usa-basketball/|title=Nine of 12 Olympic Spots Secured for USA Basketball|access-date=July 4, 2012|date=July 3, 2012|work=SLAM Magazine}} Tyson Chandler, Kevin Love, Griffin and Davis were the only true post players among the final 15. It was reported that Davis "suffered a severely sprained ankle in a workout" on June 30 and "almost assuredly [would] bypass a chance to play for Team USA [that] summer in the London Olympics."{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--anthony-davis-to-likely-miss-olympics-after-injuring-ankle.html|title=Anthony Davis to likely miss Olympics after injuring ankle in workout|last=Wojnarowski|first=Adrian|date=July 2, 2012|access-date=July 6, 2012|publisher=Yahoo! Sports}} On July 12, 2012, however, he was selected for the Olympic team after Griffin suffered an injury to the same knee he injured in the 2012 NBA playoffs, making him the only college player on the team.{{cite news|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/07/blake-griffin-injury-could-return-anthony-davis-to-olympics/1#.T_80UPXvxUM|title=Blake Griffin injury returns Anthony Davis to Olympic team|access-date=July 12, 2012|date=July 12, 2012|work=USA Today|author=Zillgitt, Jeff}} The team went undefeated in London and won the gold medal match over Spain.{{cite news|last=Stein |first=Marc |title=Instant Analysis: Team USA 107, Spain 100 |date=August 12, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/olympics/post/_/id/3486/instant-analysis-team-usa-107-spain-100 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814053253/http://espn.go.com/blog/olympics/post/_/id/3486/instant-analysis-team-usa-107-spain-100 |archive-date=August 14, 2012 |url-status=live }}

Davis was also a member of the 2014 national team that won the gold medal in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup over Serbia on September 14. He averaged 12.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game in 9 games played, while shooting 54.9% from the field.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2014/08/23/usa-basketball-roster-cuts-analysis|title=Player-by-player analysis of USA Basketball's World Cup roster|access-date=September 6, 2014|date=August 23, 2014|magazine=Sports Illustrated|author=Golliver, Ben}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/basketball/story/_/id/11526817|title=U.S. blows out Serbia for gold|access-date=September 14, 2014|date=September 14, 2014|agency=Associated Press|publisher=ESPN}}{{Cite web |title=Anthony DAVIS at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2014/player/Anthony-Davis#tab=event_data |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=FIBA.basketball |language=en}} On April 15, 2024, Davis was named to the 2024 U.S. Olympic team, returning to the national team after a 10-year gap.{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2024/04/15/sports/jalen-brunson-snubbed-by-team-usa-for-2024-olympic-roster/|title=Jalen Brunson snubbed by Team USA with 2024 Olympics roster revealed|accessdate=April 18, 2024|date=April 15, 2024|work=The New York Post|author=Bondy, Stefan}} He helped Team USA win the gold medal, and in six games, he averaged 8.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals and a team-high 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 62.5% from the field.{{cite web|title=Anthony Davis at the Olympics 2024|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/mens-olympic-basketball-tournament-paris-2024/teams/usa/196628-anthony-davis|website=FIBA.basketball|date=August 10, 2024|access-date=August 10, 2024}}

Esports career

{{Infobox Pro Gaming player

| ID = antdavis3

| name = Anthony Davis

| name_trans =

| image =

| caption =

| birth_date =

| birth_place =

| team = FaZe Clan Nuke Squad

| league =

| game = Call of Duty

| nickname =

| career_start = 2022

| career_end =

| years1 = 2022–

| team1 = FaZe Clan Nuke Squad

}}

On June 19, 2022, Davis signed with FaZe Clan, joining Faze Clan's Nuke Squad for Call of Duty.{{cite news|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/news-anthony-davis-joins-faze-clan-s-nuke-squad|last=Eudaly|first=Zack|title=NBA star Anthony Davis joins FaZe Clan's Nuke Squad |date=June 19, 2022|access-date=June 19, 2022|publisher=Sportskeeda}}

Personal life

Davis is the son of Anthony Davis Sr. Davis Sr. is {{convert|6|ft|3|in|m|2}}, and his mother, Erainer, is {{convert|6|ft|1|in|m|2}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.coachcal.com/5634/2011/07/with-so-many-focused-on-his-future-anthony-davis-all-about-the-present/|title=With so many focused on his future, Anthony Davis all about the present|access-date=April 1, 2012|date=July 19, 2011|publisher=John Calipari|work=CoachCal.com|author=Ramsey, Guy|quote=...he is, by far, the tallest member of his family. Davis' twin sister, Antoinnete, is 5-foot-8 and his older sister, Lesha, [sic] is a 5–10 basketball player at Daley College. His parents are tall, his father is 6–3 and his mother is 6–1...|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126173322/http://www.coachcal.com/5634/2011/07/with-so-many-focused-on-his-future-anthony-davis-all-about-the-present/|archive-date=January 26, 2012|url-status=dead}} He has a twin sister, Antoinette and an older sister, Lesha who played basketball at Daley College.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/story/2012-03-29/Kentucky-found-hidden-gem-in-Anthony-Davis/53872780/1|title=Kentucky found hidden gem in Anthony Davis|access-date=April 1, 2012|date=March 29, 2012|work=USA Today|author=Garcia, Marlen}} He has cousins named Jarvis, Marshaun and Keith Chamberlain. Keith has played professional basketball in Germany and Latvia and their father, Keith Sr., served as Davis's elementary school athletic director.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/next2012/story/_/id/7390571|title=Anthony Davis is NEXT|access-date=March 1, 2012|date=December 30, 2011|work=ESPN The Magazine|author=Bergeron, Elena}}

Davis married Marlen Polanco on September 18, 2021. They have three children together.{{cite news|first=Craig T.|last=Lee|title=Lebron James And Russell Westbrook Arrive At Anthony Davis' Wedding Looking Rather Debonair|date=September 19, 2021|website=BET.com|url=https://www.bet.com/article/olm3b0/lebron-and-russell-westbrook-attend-anthony-davis-wedding|access-date=September 20, 2021}}

On June 15, 2012, he signed with Arn Tellem and Thad Foucher of the Wasserman Media Group as his agents.{{cite news|first=S. L.|last=Price|title=The King Maker: Why Rich Paul Will Own the NBA Summer|date=June 12, 2019|website=SI.com|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2019/06/12/rich-paul-klutch-sports-group-lakers-pelicans-lebron-james-anthony-davis|access-date=September 21, 2021}} Tellem left to become an NBA executive in 2015, and Davis signed with Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group in 2018.{{cite news|first=Khadrice|last=Rollins|title=Anthony Davis Signs With Agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group|date=September 23, 2018|website=SI.com|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2018/09/23/anthony-davis-klutch-sports-rich-paul-pelicans|access-date=September 21, 2021}} Davis trademarked his unibrow sayings "Fear The Brow" and "Raise The Brow" in June 2012.{{cite web|last=Rovell|first=Darren|title=Anthony Davis Trademarks His Brow|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2012/06/25/anthony-davis-trademarks-his-brow.html|publisher=CNBC|date=June 25, 2012|access-date=June 26, 2012}}{{cite news|last=Massoth|first=Kevin|title=Anthony Davis not about to shave his brow|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/06/anthony-davis-trademarks-his-brow/1#.T-nF0bWe7yA|work=USA Today|date=June 25, 2012|access-date=June 26, 2012}} In 2014, he launched AD's Flight Academy, which holds charitable events in the Greater-New Orleans area.{{Cite web |last=Schreffler |first=Laura |date=November 6, 2019 |title=New Laker Anthony Davis Is California Championship Dreamin' |url=https://hauteliving.com/2019/11/anthony-davis-haute-living-los-angeles-cover-story/675194/ |access-date=September 24, 2020 |website=Haute Living}}

Filmography

=Film=

class="wikitable sortable"

! Year

! Title

! Role

! class="unsortable" | Notes

2016

| Barbershop: The Next Cut

| Himself

| {{Cite web |last=Eichenhofer |first=Jim |date=October 31, 2016 |title=Anthony Davis enjoyed playing 'IT specialist' in SportsCenter TV commercial |url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/anthony-davis-enjoyed-playing-it-specialist-sportscenter-tv-commercial |access-date=February 12, 2025 |website=NBA.com |language=en}}

2021

| Space Jam: A New Legacy

| Himself, Voice of The Brow

| {{Cite web |last=Conway |first=Tyler |date=June 19, 2019 |title=Report: Space Jam 2 Will Star Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Klay Thompson, More |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2841919-report-space-jam-2-will-star-damian-lillard-anthony-davis-klay-thompson-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822172623/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2841919-report-space-jam-2-will-star-damian-lillard-anthony-davis-klay-thompson-more |archive-date=August 22, 2019 |access-date=October 25, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}

2023

| House Party

|Himself

| {{Cite magazine |last=Richardson |first=Shandel |date=October 14, 2022 |title='House Party' Reboot Will Have A LeBron James Feel To It |url=https://www.si.com/nba/heat/miami-news/house-party-reboot-will-have-a-lebron-james-feel-to-it |access-date=February 24, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}

=Television=

class="wikitable sortable"

! Year

! Title

! Role

! class="unsortable" | Notes

2020

SpongeBob SquarePants

rowspan="2" | Himself

Episode: "SpongeBob Appreciation Day: Patchy's Beach Bash!"

2023

Impractical Jokers

Episode: "Anthony Davis"

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20120214042525/http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/davis_anthony00.html Kentucky Wildcats bio]
[https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6583 ESPN.com Profile]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20130804040159/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/keyword/anthony-davis Articles] at Chicago Tribune

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