Anthony Davis is traded to Dallas. Yesterday, with a shocking moment, Davis was traded to the Mavs after five seasons with the Lakers. This trade brings so much loss to AD, like the end of the LeBron-Davis era. But it also brings to an end for the All-NBA guard Luka Dončić’s Mavs era as he goes to Los Angeles in exchange for the star forward-center. However, as AD begins this new chapter in Dallas, let’s look into all his injuries in his career.
How many injuries has Anthony Davis had in his career? How many games has he missed in his career?
Within 12 years, Anthony Davis has already made his NBA career legendary but it wasn’t without injuries. From the moment AD entered the NBA in 2012, his talent was undeniable. Fans could immediately see the potential of a future superstar. But for Davis, the road to greatness would be paved with both highs and lows, largely due to injuries. So, let’s get deep into his injury history.
Starting with his rookie season with the New Orleans Hornets, AD played 64 of 82 possible games, which was not bad. But just as he was starting to find his rhythm, an injury arrived. A stress fracture in his left foot forced him to miss 11 games, followed by a shoulder injury and an MCL strain. It was a reminder for the young AD that the journey to stardom isn’t always linear.
However, as the years went on, Davis’ body seemed to betray him at every turn. In his second season, the injuries continued. A fractured hand, sprained shoulder, and back spasms kept him sidelined for 15 long games. Although there have been hoops who have missed the entire season due to injuries, it was hard for AD to ignore the pattern forming. But despite the injuries, his will to succeed never faltered.
The reason is back in 2014-2015, he fought through a sprained toe, sprained shoulder, sprained ankle, and back issues, only to miss 14 games. His team relied on him more than ever, but the toll of constant injuries started to show. But no one knew what was coming the following season.
The 2015-2016 season tested Davis more than any before. Starting with a torn labrum and knee injuries, which forced him to miss 21 games—the most he’d ever missed in a single season. Yet he was so determined that he led the Pelicans to their first playoff appearance with him on the roster. It was a bittersweet victory, a reminder of his resilience but also a sign that he couldn’t carry the load alone. His body simply needed rest. The next two seasons were a bit of a relief.
Davis played 75 games in both the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons, something most hoopers won’t do. It was because he was staying mostly healthy that showed the world what he could do when at full strength. But wait, his final chapter with the Pelicans ended up with more setbacks. With a frustrating finger sprain and more, he missed 26 games in 2018-2019. A huge loss for his final days with his team 1. As he prepared for new beginnings with the Los Angeles Lakers, the sense of changed a little.
His first season with the Lakers in 2019-2020 felt good for Davis, as he stayed healthy for the most part, missing only nine games. Well, not only that, he also helped the team win their 17th championship. It was the validation he had been waiting for, a moment that cemented his legacy. But his injuries were far from over.
The next two seasons were some of the toughest in the hoopster’s career. In 2020-2021, a calf and Achilles injury sidelined him for 36 games. The following season, his body seemed badly waiting for a break. He played only 40 games, battling MCL sprains, ankle issues, and other ailments. But, despite these setbacks, he refused to quit.
In 2022-2023, he managed to be super healthy, playing 76 games. Now, this is a huge number. However, it was a much-needed bounce-back season, though the injury curse was never far behind. He missed 26 games due to back and foot problems, leaving fans to wonder when the next setback would arrive.
Now, in the 2024-2025 season, AD has shown flashes of his elite self again, playing 42 of the first 47 games. But the injuries still linger in the background. A left ankle injury on Christmas Day and a recent abdominal issue have forced him to miss time, reminding everyone that the shadow of injury is never too far behind. Each time Davis overcomes an injury, it feels like another challenge awaits him. Yet, there’s something admirable about his persistence.
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