"Not willing to share that right now": JJ Redick tight-lipped about 'theory' on whether Anthony Davis lives in the paint after bubble shooting run
JJ Redick has teased the fans about a theory concerning the Lakers' big man Anthony Davis. The newly appointed Lakers coach spoke with sportswriter Zach Lowe on the Lowe Post podcast.
On the show, the sportswriter asked Redick about the former Pelicans star's insane shooting skills during the NBA bubble season and if he lives in the paint now.
Lakers Legacy relayed the news in a post on X. They accompanied a highlight video of Davis' great shooting skills during the bubble season. In the caption, they featured Redick's reply to Lowe's question about AD living in the paint now.
"I have a theory on that. One that I’m not willing to share right now. But I will if I’m right," Redick said.
During the 2019-2020 NBA bubble, Anthony Davis was more than a big man for the Lakers. He was a threat both in the paint and out of it. He averaged 33.0% from downtown that season, making him a great shooter beyond the arc. He averaged a career-third-high 26.1 points and that season.
However, Davis' stats dropped drastically in the following season. He averaged only 26.0% from the 3-point range and only 21.8 points in the entire regular season.
Since then, Anthony Davis has been slowly transforming into a more traditional big-man role and is yet to touch the same stats as his bubble season. Last season, he arguably had the best season of his career, averaging 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
JJ Redick plans to 'empower' Anthony Davis as much as he wants
During his time on the Lowe Post podcast, the newly appointed Lakers coach also revealed his plans for the Lakers' big man. JJ Redick revealed that he had dinner with Davis and talked about empowering him to reach his full potential in the upcoming season.
"Spent some time with him, went to a lovely dinner in Santa Monica a few weeks back. We’re going to empower him as much as he wants to be empowered. If he wants to be First Team All-NBA and wants to be in the MVP conversation all year long, we’re going to empower him to do that," Redick said.
Although Anthony Davis struggled with consistent hip injuries last season, he delivered a great performance for his team while playing through it.
Davis has already shown the world his potential in his last few years at the Pelicans and the early years at the Lakers. If JJ Redick can help Davis reach his prime form, the Lakers fans can expect a great season from him and high chances for a deep playoff run.