The Washington Wizards have made Anthony Davis their unquestioned number one option, and he’s quickly proving the Los Angeles Lakers' belief that he isn’t a true alpha (subscription required) right. It is why the purple and gold traded AD for Luka Doncic. The Lakers jumped at the chance to acquire a superstar in his prime as LeBron was nearing the end of his tenure with franchise. It was a no-brainer trade that let Los Angeles get their next number one.
Davis is averaging 25.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 block in 34.1 minutes per game for the Wizards. He is shooting 52.4 percent from the field. Those are superstar numbers, but Washington has lost six straight to fall to 4-9 on the season. They are 4-7 in the 11 games AD has played in.
Being an alpha is more than putting up numbers. It is about making the team a contender. The Wizards want that. It is why they traded for Davis and Trae Young. Washington hasn’t made the playoffs since 2021. This team has talent, but they still lack the 1-A option to lead the franchise back to postseason glory.
Anthony Davis isn’t an elite number one option
The Lakers knew AD well after his five and a half years with the franchise. They knew his best position wasn’t the one he wanted to play. Davis prefers being the power forward, but his lack of shooting makes center his ideal spot. LA also knew he was best as a number two option.
AD was the Pelicans’ alpha before he demanded a trade to the Lakers. He led New Orleans to the playoffs twice in seven years and won just one playoff series. That is not exactly a ringing endorsement for his status as an elite alpha.
Davis won a championship playing next to LeBron James on the Lakers. They made the playoffs four times in five years and appeared in two conference finals. LeBron would insist AD was the best player, but King James is one of the two best players in NBA history.
Davis only played 29 games with the Mavericks after the Luka Doncic trade. Dallas went 16-13 with him as their number one. It is far from elite. This was much the same roster that Doncic led to the NBA Finals in 2024. Kyrie Irving was injured for the 2025-26 season, but Cooper Flagg joined the roster. AD didn’t get Dallas to anywhere near the expected heights before being traded to the Wizards.
Wizards need to sort out Anthony Davis future
AD is putting up superstar numbers, but Washington is struggling. The 33-year-old is bought in on leading this young roster, despite the questions about his future.
Davis can decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027. The Wizards must quickly decide if he is a long-term piece or if this is his only season in the nation’s capital.
Washington complicated things by giving Trae Young a four-year, $212.8 million extension. Young is not an alpha. He proved that by missing the playoffs in each of his final two full seasons in Atlanta. The Wizards can’t pay AD and Ice Trae over $100 million per year combined if neither is the number one option.
There is only one way this roster build works and makes Washington a serious title contender.
Wizards need AJ Dybantsa to become the alpha to make this work
Washington drafted Dybantsa number one overall because they saw superstar potential. They need the 19-year-old to become the alpha for this to work. AJ has shown flashes, but needs time to develop. Don’t be surprised to see him ready to be an All-Star in year two. This season will be about growing pains and learning how to play in the NBA.
AD’s age and injury history should have the Wizards questioning his fit. Davis turns 34 in March, and he’s played more than 65 games in a season just once since 2019. The Wizards want to build a contender around Dybantsa. AD is clearly their best current player, but that doesn’t mean this build works.
Anthony Davis cannot be the Washington Wizards’ alpha. The Los Angeles Lakers were right about AD needing to be the number two option on a serious title contender. He won a championship next to LeBron James and is a superstar.
Davis just doesn’t have it in him to be the best player on an elite roster. There is no shame in that. Only a handful of players in the world can reach those heights. Luckily, the Wizards learned quickly and can now plan accordingly.
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