Remember the excitement when Anthony Davis stepped onto the court for his Lakers debut? A trade from the Pelicans brought him to the Lakers, and he was ready to make his mark! He didn’t just play; he dazzled, in his debut match against the Clippers. He scored 25 points and showcased his skills in front of eager fans. With every game, he broke records—like becoming the first Laker since Shaq to score 40 points and grab 20 rebounds in just 30 minutes.

Fast forward to today, the AD-Bron partnership is the Lakers‘ cornerstone. But behind the stats and highlights lies a deeper story. AD’s journey is rooted in his family and heritage, which have profoundly influenced his path. How did his upbringing shape who he is today? Let’s explore the rich background and cultural influences that have guided Anthony Davis throughout his career!

Anthony Davis’ family and ethnicity

Born on March 11, 1993, in Chicago, Davis grew up in the Englewood neighborhood. His parents Anthony Davis Sr. and mother Erainer Davis are of African-American ethnicity. His father was a carpenter and his mother worked as a nurse. AD has a twin sister, Antoinette, and an elder sister named Iesha. Do you know his father had built a basketball court for the kids?

Yes, his father used his carpentry skills to build a full-length basketball court in the backyard of their family’s house in the South Side of Chicago so that his kids could play together. It’s clear that AD got his passion from his father. Well, his father didn’t know he was crafting an icon.

“He’s my biggest critic, my biggest supporter. I know he’s proud of me,” AD said after winning his first NBA championship in 2020 with the Lakers. “He was with me from the beginning of my career. Waiting for this moment. Both of us, waiting for this moment, and it’s here. He ain’t crying right now, but I know he’s gonna be crying in a minute.”

But it’s not just the passion, it’s the height too. Standing at 6’10”, Anthony Davis is one of the tallest players in the league. Interestingly, his father is 6’3″ and his mother is 6’1″, leading Davis to remark that his height “was God’s gift to give.” But height isn’t the only thing he inherited from his family—AD has also made a lasting impact off the court!

Anthony Davis’ greatest honor and blessing: Giving back to his community

In March 2016, AD received the March NBA Cares Community Assist Award. But why and what did he do? Back in March 2016, he hosted a basketball clinic for 100 children at Kingsley House. Each child left with a surprise—tickets to the Pelicans’ game! This gesture reflects Davis’s commitment to connecting with the youth in his community. When he was a member of the Jr. NBA Leadership Council, he championed youth involvement in sports. Additionally, he contributed $50,000 to send nearly 6,500 local children to Pelicans’ games this season.

Davis’s philanthropic efforts extend to environmental causes, too. He donated a one-on-one “Bowling with the Brow” experience for a coastal restoration gala. This initiative has raised $30,000 for educational programs over the last two seasons! He also attended the opening of the Pelicans’ Nest exhibit at the Audubon Zoo, engaging with kids and promoting awareness about wetlands.

“Giving back means a lot to me and my family, so winning a Community Assist Award for the third year in a row is a great honor and a blessing,” Davis stated. This award honors players who excel in giving back to their communities. Davis’s passion for health and fitness shines through his initiatives. His AD Flight Academy engages local youth and inspires them to pursue their basketball dreams. But what drives him to give back so selflessly?