3 things Anthony Davis must do to win his first Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021-22 NBA season

#2 Play more minutes at center

Anthony Davis battling for a rebound against the Phoenix Suns

As we all know by now, the Lakers are better off on both ends of the court with Anthony Davis playing center. Davis, until this season, has been reluctant to play the five and bang in the post with another big. However, stats show that the team is more efficient and has a better net rating when he plays there than his usual power forward position.

Davis at five unlocks better combinations for the Lakers and makes them more switchable with him being the last line of defense. They struggled against the Phoenix Suns and their staggered screens for Devin Booker during their embarrassing first-round exit, with Andre Drummond playing at center despite AD being better suited to thwart that.

Playing center is especially crucial this season with a more offensively oriented roster and the loss of good perimeter defenders such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

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#1 Stay Healthy

A bulkier looking Anthony Davis during Lakers media day

The biggest drawback in Anthony Davis' up until now has been his inability to stay healthy. Davis' career has been plagued by injury, with him completing 75 games only twice in his career.

Last season was yet another example of the huge implications Davis' injury history has had on his franchise's playoff chances. While healthy, AD is one of the most dominant two-way players we have ever witnessed. However, the health factor has been more of a question mark off-late.

Having said that, AD looks a lot fitter and seems to have added on muscle in the off-season after working hard to be in better shape. If Davis does remain healthy and can play have a 75 game season, the Lakers will be in prime position prior to heading into a critical post-season run.