Dāvis Bertāns
A sharpshooting Latvian forward whose quick-release three-point stroke earned him the 'Latvian Laser' nickname and a vital role in the modern NBA's spacing era.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Latvian basketball player·Birthday: November 12·Millennials
Biography
Dāvis Bertāns's journey to the NBA was one of patience and precision. Drafted in 2011, he honed his craft in Europe for several seasons, developing the lightning-quick, high-arcing jumper that would become his trademark. When he finally arrived with the San Antonio Spurs, he was the prototype of the modern stretch-four: a 6'10" forward who existed primarily to stretch defenses to the breaking point. His subsequent contract with the Washington Wizards cemented his value as a premier floor-spacer, a player whose mere presence on the perimeter created driving lanes for teammates. While defense was never his calling card, his offensive gravity was undeniable. Later career moves saw him become a valued veteran presence for teams seeking instant offense off the bench. Bertāns, alongside his brother Dairis, helped pave the way for European shooters, proving that a specific, elite skill could secure a long and lucrative career in the world's best basketball league.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Dāvis was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dāvis Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Dāvis's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led the NBA in three-point percentage for players with significant attempts during the 2019-20 season.
- Signed a five-year, $80 million contract with the Washington Wizards in 2020.
- Helped the Latvian national team win a historic gold medal at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
- Played in the NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks in 2024.
Did You Know?
His brother, Dairis Bertāns, is also a professional basketball player who has played in the NBA and EuroLeague.
He missed the entire 2014-15 season after tearing his ACL while playing in Spain.
He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting in his native Latvia during the offseason.
He was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Dallas Mavericks in a deal centered around fellow Latvian Kristaps Porziņģis.
“I just catch and shoot. That's my job.”
