Anthony Davis was a force to be reckoned with for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2019-20 season, his first with the team.
He averaged 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots per game as he helped lead L.A. to the NBA championship.
But his numbers declined the following season as he dealt with multiple injuries, and although his production improved this past season, he only played in 40 games due to injury.
Many Lakers fans have somewhat soured on Davis due to his injury history and what they see as complacency and a lack of aggression.
But he has been working hard on his game this summer, and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins, a former big man himself, feels Davis is bound for an MVP season.
"Early prediction: I got Anthony Davis winning the MVP next season."
— Kendrick Perkins#NBATwitter #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/RnY0Up9hay
— 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣’ 𝙉𝘽𝘼 (@_Talkin_NBA) July 20, 2022
When the University of Kentucky product was healthy in the 2021-22 season, he did well, putting up 23.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 53.2 percent from the field, his highest such mark in four years.
Having a healthy, motivated and fortified Davis would go a long way towards helping the Lakers return to title contention.