JJ Redick, before becoming the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, made a striking statement about Anthony Davis during his tenure as an ESPN analyst. Redick had commented on Davis’s ability to lead, asserting:
“No matter how much we try to make Anthony Davis into this alpha, that’s not who he is. He’s a fantastic basketball player, an All-NBA player, an All-Defensive player, he’s not an alpha.”
“No matter how hard we try to spin the narrative. That is not who he is. He is awesome but that is not who he is. The fact that he is not the best player on the Lakers, that speaks more to LeBron not being human than anything else.”
This bold proclamation came after the Lakers were swept by the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Finals. During that series, Nikola Jokic not only dominated statistically but also showcased his leadership, outplaying Davis in every crucial moment. For Redick, Davis’s inability to consistently assert himself as the Lakers’ focal point reinforced his stance.
Fast forward to the present, and the narrative surrounding Davis has shifted dramatically under Redick’s coaching. With LeBron James nearing 40 years of age, Davis has become the pillar of the Lakers’ offense.
Redick has made it clear that the team’s system revolves around Davis, giving him the keys to dominate on both ends of the floor. Davis responded with a stellar start to the 2024–25 season, averaging 28.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game, while shooting an efficient 55.1% from the field and 36.1% from beyond the arc.
This elevated role highlights Davis’s immense talent and potential, but questions about his consistency persist. Recent performances, such as his underwhelming showing against the Oklahoma City Thunder, have reignited discussions about his ability to lead. In that game, Davis finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists on just nine shot attempts. Lakers legend James Worthy was quick to criticize.
The duality of Davis’s career remains a central talking point. When fully engaged, he is one of the most dominant two-way players in the league. His ability to anchor the defense, stretch the floor, and punish defenders in the post makes him an undeniable force.
However, the “alpha” label implies more than skill; it demands leadership, assertiveness, and the willingness to carry a team in high-pressure moments—qualities that some analysts and fans believe Davis lacks.
Redick’s earlier comments reflect a sentiment that continues to shadow Davis. While he has excelled as a co-star alongside LeBron, he has yet to consistently prove that he can be the undisputed leader of a championship team. The Lakers’ reliance on Davis as their primary option in the post-LeBron era will ultimately test whether Redick’s initial assessment holds true.
As the season unfolds, Davis has the opportunity to redefine his legacy. To silence critics like Worthy and validate Redick’s current trust in him, he must consistently perform at an elite level, especially in crucial moments, proving he can indeed be the “alpha” many doubt he is.
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