Lakers Want Anthony Davis to Attempt Six 3-Pointers Per Game, HC Darvin Ham Says

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham is hoping to see star big man Anthony Davis add a new dimension to his already impressive offensive arsenal this season.

"I want him, if he can--I know he won't do it, but maybe he'll shock me--but I've requested to see six three-point attempts a game," Ham said after practice Tuesday, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Three per half, at least. I wouldn't put that on him if I didn't think he was capable"

Davis averaged only 1.3 attempts from beyond the arc last season, and the most he's ever averaged in a season was 3.5 attempts in his first season in Los Angeles in 2019-20. He struggled mightily with his efficiency last year, shooting 25.7 percent from three-point range during the regular season and 33.3 percent in the playoffs. However, through two preseason games, the 30-year-old appears to have embraced his coach's request.

Davis saw limited action against the Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets, playing for a combined 27 minutes. Still, he went 3-of-6 from three-point range across the two contests. He said he's been working with Lakers assistant coach Chris Jent over the offseason to improve his outside shot.

"Just getting back to being a threat at all three levels," Davis said when asked about his three-point shooting during media day last week. "Not sure where it's at until we get into practices and games. Anybody can shoot in workouts and make shots when there's no pressure on them."

An improved shooting stroke for Davis would greatly benefit a Lakers team that ranked 25th in team three-point percentage last season at 34.6 percent.

"That's something that he's worked on--being a more consistent shooter and not just more consistent in his [normal] areas but consistent from deep range," Ham said of Davis. "And not hesitating. Not overthinking it. So if he's got a good look, we've all encouraged him to put it up."

Davis appears ready to fire away when the Lakers open the 2023-24 season on Oct. 24 against the defending champion Denver Nuggets.