Career Timeline of Anthony Davis: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Anthony Davis, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Anthony Davis, nicknamed "AD" and "the Brow," is a professional basketball player currently playing for the Washington Wizards in the NBA. A versatile power forward and center, Davis has achieved significant recognition, including ten NBA All-Star selections, five All-NBA Team selections, and five NBA All-Defensive Team selections. He was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Due to his accolades and skillset, Davis is considered among the greatest power forwards in basketball history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1973: Davis Second in NBA History to Put Up 55 Points, 15 Rebounds, and 3 Blocks

On December 4, 2022, Anthony Davis joined Kevin McHale as only the second player in NBA history to put up at least 55 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks in a game since blocks became an official stat in the 1973–74 season.

1999: Davis joins Shaquille O'Neal in Lakers history

On November 22, 2022, Davis became just the third Laker in franchise history to record 30-plus points and 15-plus rebounds in four consecutive games, joining Elgin Baylor and Shaquille O'Neal (November 19–26, 1999).

2002: Lakers' Biggest Comeback Since 2002

On February 26, 2023, Anthony Davis led the Lakers to a 111–108 come-from-behind victory over the Dallas Mavericks. It was the biggest comeback of the season at that time, and the Lakers' biggest comeback in franchise history since 2002.

2003: Davis First Laker with Multiple 30/20 Games Since Shaq

On March 7, 2023, Anthony Davis became the first Laker to drop multiple games with at least 30 points and 20 rebounds in a season since Shaquille O'Neal in the 2003–04 season.

2007: Davis and James were first team All-NBA

In 2020, Davis and James were the first teammates to be first team All-NBA since 2007.

August 13, 2010: Commitment to Kentucky

On August 13, 2010, Anthony Davis verbally committed to play basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats, choosing them over DePaul, Ohio State, and Syracuse.

August 2010: Nike Global Challenge

In August 2010, Anthony Davis played in the Nike Global Challenge in Hillsboro, Oregon, scoring 23 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in the opening game.

August 24, 2010: Number One Rated Player

On August 24, 2010, Anthony Davis became the number one rated player in the national class of 2011 at Scout.com.

November 10, 2010: National Letter of Intent Signed

On November 10, 2010, Anthony Davis signed his National Letter of Intent. He started his senior season on the Chicago Sun-Times area Top 50 list, standing at 6 feet 10 inches and averaged 32 points, 22 rebounds, and 7 blocks for the season.

March 30, 2011: McDonald's All-American Game Performance

On March 30, 2011, Anthony Davis played in the McDonald's All-American Game at the United Center, scoring 14 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and recording 4 blocks.

November 11, 2011: Kentucky Freshman Debut

On November 11, 2011, Anthony Davis debuted with a double-double against Marist, scoring 23 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, blocking 5 shots, and dishing out 3 assists.

November 15, 2011: Game against Thomas Robinson

On November 15, 2011, Anthony Davis and Thomas Robinson played against each other for the first time, where Davis averaged a double-double.

2011: Rated Number One Player

After three seasons of Chicago Public League play, Anthony Davis was rated as the number one player in the class of 2011 by Scout.com and was listed in the ESPNU 100.

2011: High School Honors

In 2011, Anthony Davis received several honors for his basketball skills in high school, including being named to the McDonald's All-American Game, the Jordan Brand Classic, and being selected for the USA Today All-USA high school basketball team, as well as several All-American teams.

2011: Preseason All-American

In 2011, Anthony Davis was selected as a preseason All-American by ESPN along with teammate Terrence Jones.

2011: USBWA All-District IV Team

In 2011, Davis was selected by the USBWA as the Player of the Year for its 10-man 2011–12 Men's All-District IV Team.

2011: Pelicans' First Postseason Win Since 2011

In 2011, the Pelicans achieved their first postseason win since 2011, marking the first playoff victory in Anthony Davis's six-year career. This win occurred in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers, where Davis contributed 35 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals in the 97–95 victory.

2011: Pelicans make playoffs

In the final game of the 2015 regular season, Anthony Davis recorded 31 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks, sending the Pelicans to the 2015 NBA playoffs, the franchise's first appearance since 2011.

April 2, 2012: Game against Thomas Robinson

On April 2, 2012, Anthony Davis and Thomas Robinson played against each other for the second time, where Davis averaged a double-double.

May 2, 2012: Finalist for 2012 Olympic Basketball Team

On May 2, 2012, Anthony Davis was named as one of the finalists for the 2012 Olympic basketball team following injuries to other players. He was under consideration to fill a vacancy at center.

June 15, 2012: Signed with Wasserman Media Group

On June 15, 2012, Anthony Davis signed with Arn Tellem and Thad Foucher of the Wasserman Media Group as his agents.

July 12, 2012: Selected for Olympic Team

On July 12, 2012, Anthony Davis was selected for the Olympic team after Blake Griffin suffered an injury, making him the only college player on the team. The team went undefeated in London and won the gold medal match over Spain.

July 24, 2012: Signed a three-year contract with the Hornets

On July 24, 2012, Anthony Davis signed a three-year $16 million guaranteed contract with the Hornets, as prescribed by the NBA's collective bargaining agreement.

November 1, 2012: NBA Debut

On November 1, 2012, Anthony Davis made his NBA debut against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring a team-high 21 points in a losing effort.

2012: NBA Draft Prospect

Before his college career began, Anthony Davis was being mentioned as the potential first overall selection in the 2012 NBA draft. Dick Vitale mentioned the possibility that Davis might complete the men's college basketball awards Grand Slam of National Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year and the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

2012: NCAA Tournament MVP

During the 2012 NCAA Tournament, Anthony Davis was selected to the NCAA South Regional All-Tournament Team. In the final four, he posted 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks against Louisville. In the championship game, he had 16 rebounds, 6 blocks, 5 assists, 3 steals and 6 points against Kansas. He won the NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player and was selected to that All-Tournament team.

2012: Kentucky National Championship

In 2012, Anthony Davis led Kentucky to a national championship, earning the title of Most Outstanding Player of the 2012 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. That year, he was also named first team All-American and Consensus National Player of the Year, along with winning the USBWA National Freshman of the Year, NABC Defensive Player of the Year, and the Pete Newell Big Man Award. Davis also led the NCAA in blocks and set Southeastern Conference and NCAA Division I freshman single-season blocked shots records.

2012: NBA Draft and Olympics Selection

In 2012, Anthony Davis was drafted first overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the NBA draft and was selected to play in the 2012 Olympics.

2012: Player of the Year Awards

In 2012, Anthony Davis was named the Sporting News Men's College Basketball Player of the Year, won the USBWA's Robertson trophy, the Adolph Rupp Trophy, and was recognized as the national player of the year by CBSSports.com, Associated Press, John R. Wooden Award, and Naismith College Player of the Year.

2012: All-American First Team Selections

In 2012, Anthony Davis was named to the Sporting News All-American first team, the United States Basketball Writers Association All-American first team, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-American first team, the CBSSports.com All-American first team, and the Associated Press All-American first team, making him a unanimous first team All-American selection.

2012: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2012, Anthony Davis won a gold medal with the United States national team at the 2012 Olympic games.

February 15, 2013: Appeared in the Rising Stars Challenge

On February 15, 2013, Anthony Davis participated in the Rising Stars Challenge during the 2013 NBA All-Star Game weekend.

March 2013: Davis joins Kobe Bryant for back-to-back 40 point games

On December 4, Anthony Davis became the first Laker with back-to-back 40-point games since Kobe Bryant in March 2013.

October 16, 2013: Pelicans exercised team's third-year option on Davis's contract

On October 16, 2013, the New Orleans Pelicans exercised the team's third-year option on Anthony Davis's contract.

2013: Davis Not Selected for All-Star Game

In 2022, Anthony Davis was not selected for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, marking the first time since 2013 that he was not chosen for the event.

March 16, 2014: Career-High 40 Points and 21 Rebounds

On March 16, 2014, Anthony Davis scored a career-high 40 points and grabbed a career-high 21 rebounds in a 121–120 overtime win against the Boston Celtics, marking the first 40-point, 20-rebound effort of the 2013–14 NBA season.

2014: Launched AD's Flight Academy

In 2014, Anthony Davis launched AD's Flight Academy, which holds charitable events in the Greater-New Orleans area.

2014: FIBA World Cup Gold Medal

In 2014, Anthony Davis won a gold medal with the United States national team at the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

July 9, 2015: Davis signs contract extension

On July 9, 2015, Anthony Davis signed a five-year, $145 million contract extension with the Pelicans.

March 11, 2017: Davis scores 46 points against Hornets

On March 11, 2017, Anthony Davis scored 46 points and grabbed 21 rebounds in a 125–122 overtime win over the Charlotte Hornets.

November 22, 2017: Davis moves into second in franchise history

On November 22, 2017, Anthony Davis had 29 points and 11 rebounds in a 107–90 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Finishing the game with 7,938 career points, moving him into second in franchise history ahead of Chris Paul (7,936).

December 27, 2017: Davis scores 33 points against Nets

On December 27, 2017, Anthony Davis had 33 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks in a 128–113 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

2017: NBA All-Star Game MVP

In 2017, Anthony Davis was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP after scoring a then-record 52 points in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game.

January 14, 2018: Davis scores season high 48 points against Knicks

On January 14, 2018, Anthony Davis scored a season-high 48 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, leading New Orleans back from 19 points down late in the third quarter to a 123–118 overtime victory over the New York Knicks.

January 2, 2019: Davis Posts Career-High 26 Rebounds Against Nets

On January 2, 2019, Anthony Davis posted a career-high and franchise-record 26 rebounds along with 34 points in a game against the Brooklyn Nets.

July 2019: Davis Traded to the Los Angeles Lakers

In July 2019, Anthony Davis was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers from the Pelicans in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round draft picks. Davis switched his jersey number to 3 because LeBron James already wore No. 23, and Nike refused to allow James to relinquish the number to Davis.

October 22, 2019: Davis's Lakers Debut

On October 22, 2019, Anthony Davis made his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers against the Los Angeles Clippers, recording 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a 112–102 loss.

2019: Trade to the Los Angeles Lakers

In 2019, Anthony Davis was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

January 3, 2020: Davis Scores 46 Points Against Pelicans

On January 3, 2020, Anthony Davis scored 46 points and had 13 rebounds in a 123–113 win over the Pelicans.

January 2020: Davis Declines Lakers' Contract Extension

In January 2020, Anthony Davis declined the Lakers' offer of a four-year, $146 million max extension, opting to enter free agency where he could potentially earn a five-year, $202 million max contract.

January 23, 2020: Davis Selected as NBA All-Star Game Starter

On January 23, 2020, Anthony Davis was selected as a front-court starter for the NBA All-Star Game.

December 3, 2020: Davis Re-Signs with Lakers for Five Years

On December 3, 2020, Anthony Davis re-signed with the Lakers on a five-year, $190 million contract, including an early termination option before the fifth season in 2024–25.

2020: NBA Championship with the Lakers

In 2020, Anthony Davis won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2020: Davis requests trade from Pelicans

In January 2020, Anthony Davis informed the Pelicans that he would not sign a contract extension and requested a trade. He was eligible to become a free agent in the summer of 2020. A day later, the NBA fined him $50,000 for making his request public.

April 2021: Davis Sidelined with Groin Injury During Playoffs

In April 2021, during the opening round of the playoffs against the Phoenix Suns, Anthony Davis suffered a strained left groin in Game 4 and was sidelined in Game 5. The Lakers were eventually eliminated in six games.

2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection

In 2021, Anthony Davis was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing him as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

February 16, 2022: Davis Injured Ankle Against Jazz

On February 16, 2022, Anthony Davis injured his right ankle in a 106–101 win against the Utah Jazz and subsequently missed 18 games.

November 13, 2022: Davis Scores 37 Points, Grabs 18 Rebounds vs. Nets

On November 13, 2022, Anthony Davis scored 37 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in a 116–103 win over the Brooklyn Nets, helping the Los Angeles Lakers end a five-game losing streak.

November 13, 2022: Davis scores 37 points and grabs 18 rebounds against Brooklyn Nets

On November 13, 2022, Davis scored 37 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in a 116-103 win over the Brooklyn Nets, to help the Los Angeles Lakers snap a five-game losing streak.

January 25, 2023: Davis Returns After Foot Injury

On January 25, 2023, Anthony Davis returned after missing twenty games with a right foot injury, posting 21 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks in 26 minutes off the bench in a 113–104 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

April 11, 2023: Davis Named NBA Western Conference Player of the Month

On April 11, 2023, Anthony Davis was named NBA Western Conference Player of the Month for March/April.

August 4, 2023: Contract Extension with Lakers

On August 4, 2023, Anthony Davis signed a three-year, $186 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers.

December 10, 2023: Won Inaugural NBA Cup

On December 10, 2023, Anthony Davis and the Lakers won the inaugural NBA Cup after winning the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament. Davis contributed 41 points, 20 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks in the championship game against the Indiana Pacers and was recognized as a member of the All-Tournament team.

2023: Lakers Lose to Nuggets in Western Conference Finals

During the 2023 playoffs, the Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets in a four-game sweep in the Western Conference Finals, with Davis performing strongly but the team ultimately falling short. Davis also became the third Lakers player with 50 blocks in a single postseason.

2023: NBA Cup win with the Lakers

In 2023, Anthony Davis won the first edition of the NBA Cup with the Los Angeles Lakers.

January 9, 2024: Season-High 41 Points vs Raptors

On January 9, 2024, Anthony Davis scored a season-high 41 points, with 20 of those points in the fourth quarter, along with 11 rebounds and 6 assists, leading the Lakers to a 132–131 win over the Toronto Raptors.

April 15, 2024: Named to 2024 U.S. Olympic Team

On April 15, 2024, Anthony Davis was named to the 2024 U.S. Olympic team, marking his return to the national team after a 10-year gap. He helped Team USA win the gold medal.

2024: Named All-Star Reserve and Olympic Team Member

In 2024, Anthony Davis achieved several milestones. On February 1, he was named as a reserve for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, marking his ninth selection. On April 15, 2024, he was named to the 2024 U.S. Olympic team, returning to the national team after a 10-year gap and winning a gold medal.

2024: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2024, Anthony Davis won a gold medal with the United States national team at the 2024 Olympic games.

2024: Early Termination Option in Contract

In December 3, 2020, Davis re-signed with the Lakers on a five-year, $190 million contract, including an early termination option before the fifth season in 2024–25.

January 27, 2025: Dominant Performance Against Hornets

On January 27, 2025, Anthony Davis started strong against the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 21 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in the first quarter, ultimately finishing with 42 points and 23 rebounds in the game.

February 2, 2025: Traded to Dallas Mavericks

On February 2, 2025, Anthony Davis, along with Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. The Mavericks also traded a 2025 second round pick to the Utah Jazz.

February 2025: Trade to Dallas Mavericks

In February 2025, Anthony Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić in what was considered one of the most unexpected trades in American sports history.

February 5, 2026: Traded to Washington Wizards

On February 5, 2026, Anthony Davis was traded to the Washington Wizards in a three-team trade involving the Charlotte Hornets. He chose to wear No. 23, becoming the first Wizards player to do so since Michael Jordan's retirement.