For much of his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, Davis publicly advocated for a return to his natural position. He pointed to the 2020 championship run alongside Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee as proof.
In January 2025, he made his case directly: the Lakers needed a true center so he could slide back to power forward. Shortly after, they traded him to Dallas. Now in Washington, he’s found exactly what he was looking for.
Alex Sarr, the 20-year-old sophomore big man, has emerged as one of the league’s most intriguing young two-way players. Through 41 games, he’s averaging 17.2 points on nearly 50% shooting, 7.8 rebounds.
“I feel like I’ve always been very successful with another big,” Davis said. “The good thing about Alex is that he can space the floor, and on the defensive end it’s going to be insane. Being able to guard pick-and-rolls.
With Sarr handling primary rim protection, Davis can operate as a roaming disruptor hedging ball screens, switching onto wings, protecting the weak side. It’s the role he was born to play, the one that made him a generational talent.
“I just hope that the wisdom I’ve learned from the greats I’ve been around Dwight, JaVale, Tyson Chandler, Marc Gasol can carry over,” Davis said.
Washington has struggled defensively for years, unable to contain penetration or secure rebounds in high-leverage moments. The Davis-Sarr combination changes that overnight.
Anthony Davis wanted to play power forward. He wanted a mobile big alongside him. He wanted to wreak havoc instead of grinding in the post.
In Washington, with Alex Sarr, he’s getting exactly that. And if it works the way Davis envisions, the Wizards’ defense won’t just be improved.