This summer, Anthony Davis inked a contract deal that will keep him a Laker through the year 2028. Is this truly the time Davis becomes the Lakers’ top option, given his huge contract, stellar play in the playoffs last year, and the fact that LeBron James is getting older by the day?

According to an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James is convinced of this.

“He is the face [of the franchise]. You look at all these [retired] numbers that surround this facility, all the greats that have come here and AD is one of them.”

It’s encouraging when the founding leader recognizes the need for, and accepts, a change in leadership, but Davis will need to prove his mettle as the new team captain in more tangible ways.

Davis’ offensive struggles have been well documented, like as his poor performance in Game 2 against the Warriors or his failure to consistently make the three pointer since the 2020 season. Nevertheless, he has been the finest defender on the Lakers and, possibly, in the NBA. Head coach Darvin Ham has already stated his hope that Davis will increase his three-point shooting this season, aiming for six attempts each game.

Davis may never get another shot at becoming the team captain on a LeBron-led squad once this season ends. It will be more of an eye test to determine whether Davis is the true leader of the team given the fuzziness of the term “leader” in basketball compared to soccer, where there is a captain band to signify who that player is.

Let’s pretend his offensive output ranks first in the team. Of course, maybe he will be the best player and leader for the Lakers if he continues to be a dominant rim protector, is more vocal on the field, and stays healthy. With the Lakers, Davis will become the face of the team like former Lakers big men Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal.

However, until it is actually seen, all attention is focused on LeBron. Even if the biggest star in Los Angeles were to endorse a new policy, it wouldn’t automatically take effect. It’s not necessarily a terrible thing if Davis never manages to overtake James as the main man.

Numerous Lakers won several championships while serving as the team’s backup player. Remember Pau Gasol? His jersey is up in the rafters at Crytpo.com Arena.

Will Davis be the next in line to become the undisputed leader, or will he remain an overqualified No. 2? This year will be crucial in making that call.