The Lakers have been moving like a snail ever since LeBron James injured himself. They are now a #5 team with 36 wins under their belt, and it appears that they’ll stay put. Even with the return of Anthony Davis, they’re struggling to reintroduce that dominance which translates to victory against tough teams.

Recently, the LA-based team came out of their three-game losing streak to post a 114-103 win against the struggling Magic. Dennis Schroder shone on Monday night, and his double-double ensured that the table bottom team did not upset them. But what was it about AD that later made the headline?

Charles Oakley not impressed by Anthony Davis

The legendary center-forward, Charles Oakley, took a dig at Anthony Davis for attempting way too many threes. He made a case after AD’s failure from the long-range against the Magic and schooled the 28-YO forward. The Knicks legend expressed, “Told Anthony Davis about 6 yrs ago ‘You’re not a 3-pt shooter. You’re the best thing since sliced cheese — killer midrange, you’re athletic, you play both ends of the court. Why you want to shoot 3s?’ I heard coach of the Lakers say he should shoot take 5-6 a game. Why?””

Since The Brow’s comeback game against the Mavs, the star has attempted 11 three-pointers and converted just one. In fact, his 0/6 in the Lakers’ 93-108 loss became a major factor in why they failed offensively. 

Overall, AD is shooting at a six-year low, at 26.1% from the perimeter in the running season. Exactly six years ago, the star forward had attempted just 0.2 threes per game in 2014-15 with the Pelicans. Oakley’s comments are well placed because the man himself averaged just 0.2 such attempts in his 18-year long NBA career.

Read also – ‘Enough Rest’: Anthony Davis Reassures That he Plans on Playing All Upcoming Games

Why would the Lakers want AD to take those long-range shots?

The 8x NBA All-Star has a few buzzer-beater threes under his name to make a case of relevance. Next, everybody knows his dominance from inside the paint and how he can punish his defenders while making brutal contact.

So for coach Frank Vogel to want him to surprise his opponents is not a bad ask. This way, he can keep the defenders guessing and help other teammates with some floor spacing. Last but not least, while playing under restricted minutes, it can prove efficient for a player to attempt long-range shots and get the scoreboard ticking. 

The chances are high that Anthony Davis will resume his regular mid-range heavy playing when LeBron James is back. Also, for a coach to put the word out that his quality paint player will now aim five or six downtown attempts might serve as a strategy to manipulate the rivals.

Whatever be the case, the questions on AD’s shooting only live as long as he drops three or four of those in an upcoming game.