Los Angeles Lakers star big man Anthony Davis was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team, the league announced on Tuesday. This is the fifth All-Defensive Team selection and the third time making the First Team for the nine-time all-star.
After playing just 132 games out of 243 games the previous three seasons due to multiple injuries, Davis’ First Team nod—finishing fourth in Defensive Player of the Year—came after playing a career-high 76 games in 2024.
Davis was highly versatile for the Lakers’ defense this season. He anchored the center position while also honing the ability to switch defensively to smaller players on the perimeter and hold his own with his 6-foot 10-inch frame. Protecting the paint, Davis ranked third in rebounds (12.6 per game), fourth in blocks (2.3 per game) and second in total contested shots in the NBA (848) for L.A.
Davis secured the final spot on the First Team with 60 votes and a total of 151 points, edging out former Lakers guard Alex Caruso, who was the next highest with 43 First Team votes.
It’s no secret how Davis feels about being left out of other defensive awards. Despite being one of this generation’s best overall defenders and big man, the 12-year veteran has won zero Defensive Player of the Year awards. Before the end of the regular season, Davis spoke with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin about his opinion surrounding Defensive Player of the Year voting.
“I’ll never get it,” Davis told ESPN. “They’re not giving it to me. The league doesn’t like me. I’m the best defensive player in the league. I can switch 1 through 5. I can guard the pick-and-roll the best in the league, from a big standpoint. I block shots. I rebound.
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“I don’t know what else to do. I’m over it. I’m just going to do what I got to do to help the team win and try to play for a championship. Accolades and individual awards, I’m done with those.”
The NBA’s 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, along with San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo and New Orleans Pelicans wing Herb Jones were named to the NBA’s First Team All-Defense alongside Davis. This team selection cements them as the top five defensive players in the league.
The NBA’s Second Team All-Defense for 2024 includes Boston Celtics guards Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs, Timberwolves wing Jaden McDaniels and Chicago Bulls guard Caruso.
