Explaining Anthony Davis’ early season struggles

All-world Lakers big man Anthony Davis has looked a bit unlike himself to start this season, particularly on the offensive end and, even he himself has admitted that he’s still really trying to find his rhythm.

But while extended ramp-up time compared to his teammates may seem concerning, there are multiple factors that help explain his longer runway to get back to his level of play last season.

“I think the fact that AD has missed a couple games because of some minor injuries has restricted him a little bit, or slowed him down from the same type of build-up (as LeBron), but he’s not far behind,” Lakers head coach Frank Vogel theorized at practice on Wednesday.

But injuries may not be the only thing holding Davis back. I discussed some of the specific things that could be slowing him in the following video:

So there you have it! Hopefully the video helped address any concerns regarding Davis’ slow start, and may explain why he’s looked a step behind thus far this season. Although he has taken longer than other Lakers, I still fully expect him to eventually get back to the dominant two-player that we saw last season, particularly as the team ramps up for the playoffs.

Dr. Rajpal Brar has a doctorate in physical therapy from Northern Arizona University, and runs his own sports medicine and performance business, 3CB Performance, in West LA and Valencia, CA. He also works at a hospital — giving him experience with patients in the immediate healthcare setting and neurological patients (post stroke, post brain injury) — and has been practicing for 1.5 years. Brar is additionally training at UCLA’s mindful awareness research center (MARC), and analyzes the Lakers from a medical perspective for Silver Screen and Roll and Laker Film Room. You can follow him on Twitter at@3cbPerformance.