Anthony Davis or Joel Embiid: Steve Kerr ends Team USA starting lineup debate

The Los Angeles Lakers are well-represented on the Team USA roster. After Austin Reaves represented the U.S. at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Anthony Davis and LeBron James have joined the team for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

A strong case could be made that Davis has been Team USA's best player during the USA Basketball Showcase, leading many to question why he isn't starting.

The Americans have thus far built around a three-man core of Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, and LeBron James in the starting lineup. The pieces around them have been shuffled, but the prioritization appears to be the players who have a combined seven MVP awards between them.

In a recent interview, Team USA head coach Steve Kerr made comments that effectively eliminated the hope that Davis will receive the opportunity to start over Embiid.

It's still possible that Davis will start at power forward next to Embiid at center, but based on the strategy Team USA has enlisted stylistically, it seems unlikely to transpire.

Anthony Davis unlikely to start over Joel Embiid for Team USA

Davis opened the USA Basketball Showcase by tallying 10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, four blocks, and two steals in just 19 minutes of action in an 86-72 win over Canada. It was the first example of how he's become the defensive anchor for the men's international team.

Davis was the unquestioned best player on the court during Team USA's second game, a 98-92 win over Australia, posting 17 points, 14 rebounds, seven offensive boards, two blocks, and a steal.

Embiid continues to start, however, with that trend continuing with the recent 105-79 win over Serbia. Davis maintained his status as the team's star defender, with seven points, six rebounds, and six blocks in just over 16 minutes of play.

Davis is far from the only high-level defender on the roster, but his performances have but nothing short of dominant on that end of the floor.

It's a promising sign for Los Angeles, even if many fans would like to see Davis get the starting nod for Team USA. Lakers head coach JJ Redick, for instance, has spoken openly about wanting to help the 31-year-old win NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Davis' play with Team USA has no impact on the outcome of that potential award race, but he's certainly setting a stellar standard for himself.

Davis is no stranger to defensive excellence, with five All-Defense nods and four seasons in which he's finished in the top five in voting for Defensive Player of the Year. He's also one of the best offensive big men in the NBA, with a career scoring average of 24.1 points per game.

Despite the fact that he's likely to play the Olympics as a reserve, Davis should have ample opportunity to show why he continues to be one of the best players in the world.