During the compressed 2020-21 NBA regular season, Anthony Davis played in exactly 36 games for the Los Angeles Lakers. This abbreviated campaign marked one of the most interrupted stretches of his career, severely limiting his time on the floor just months after capturing the 2020 NBA championship inside the Orlando bubble.
Understanding the full scope of his 2021 availability requires looking beyond the raw game count. Multiple nagging injuries, a shortened league calendar, and the team's postseason exit all shaped a turbulent year for the star big man.
Regular Season Breakdown and Availability
The 2020-21 NBA regular season was slashed from the standard 82 games down to 72 games due to the delayed start stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of those 72 possible regular-season contests, Davis appeared in 36, missing precisely half of the schedule.
When healthy enough to suit up, his production remained elite. He averaged 21.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 steals per contest while logging an average of 32.3 minutes per night. Even so, his shooting efficiency dipped slightly compared to previous dominant runs, particularly from beyond the arc where he shot 26.0 percent.
- Total Games Played: 36 regular-season games
- Games Started: 36 games
- Minutes Per Game: 32.3 minutes
- Points Per Game: 21.8 points
Key Injuries That Derailed the Season
Davis's absence from the lineup wasn't caused by a single isolated incident; rather, a compounding series of lower-extremity injuries forced him to sit for extended stretches.
The trouble began mounting in mid-February 2021 during a game against the Denver Nuggets, when he suffered a severe right Achilles tendonosis and a strained calf. This particular ailment sidelined him for over two months, keeping him out of action from February 14 until April 22.
No sooner had he returned than minor tweaks and general wear-and-tear forced additional maintenance days. Because the Lakers were cautious about protecting their franchise cornerstone for the long term, they routinely held him out of back-to-back sets and high-risk situations.
Postseason Games Played in 2021
Despite the heavy regular-season attrition, the Lakers secured a playoff spot through the newly introduced Western Conference play-in tournament. Davis suited up for the opening round series against the Phoenix Suns, but his injury woes followed him into the spring.
- Playoff Games Played: 5 games
- Playoff Averages: 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists
After missing crucial time due to a strained groin suffered midway through Game 4, Davis was severely limited or absent as the defending champions fell in six games to the eventual Western Conference champion Suns. You can explore complete historical leaderboards directly on Basketball Reference.
Impact on the Los Angeles Lakers
The stark drop in Anthony Davis games played dealt a heavy blow to the Lakers' defense and overall ceiling. Without their primary interior anchor, the team had to rely heavily on veteran additions like Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell, alongside LeBron James, to keep afloat in a hyper-competitive Western Conference.
Although the Lakers finished the year with the league's top defensive rating (107.1 points allowed per 100 possessions), the lack of chemistry and on-court reps between James and Davis derailed any hope of a cohesive title defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many total games did Anthony Davis play including playoffs in 2021?
Davis played 36 regular-season games and 5 playoff games, bringing his combined total to 41 appearances for the year.
Did Anthony Davis make the All-Star team in 2021?
Yes. Despite missing a large portion of the first half of the season due to injury, fan and coach voting resulted in him earning an All-Star selection, though he did not play in the exhibition game.
Why was the 2020-21 NBA season shortened?
The league shortened the schedule to 72 games to safely accommodate the delayed start following the historic 2020 Orlando bubble finish, which compressed the usual offseason window down to just 71 days.
What was Anthony Davis's longest injury absence that year?
His longest single uninterrupted absence spanned over two months, stretching from mid-February through late April 2021, due to a combination of a right Achilles tendon issue and a calf strain. For broader context on athletic training loads, check out resources via NBA Official.
