The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that Anthony Davis’ injury will not alter their approach to the trade deadline, despite growing concerns about their roster depth. Davis suffered an abdominal strain in the team’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers and is expected to miss at least one week. While his absence further exposes the team’s lack of depth at the center position, the Lakers are reportedly not changing their strategy when it comes to potential trades.
According to The Los Angeles Times’ Dan Woike, the Lakers have been actively exploring options to bolster their roster but have no plans to overreact to Davis’ injury by making a desperation move.
The front office has maintained a steady approach, focusing on moves that would improve the team without sacrificing too many future assets. Given their limited draft capital and salary cap constraints, the Lakers are being cautious about what they are willing to give up in any trade.
One of the biggest needs for the Lakers remains a reliable backup center to support Davis and occasionally play alongside him. While names like Walker Kessler, Nikola Vucevic, and Jakob Poeltl have been floated as potential targets, the Lakers have reportedly scaled back their pursuit of these players due to high asking prices.
Toronto, for example, is rumored to be seeking multiple first-round picks for Poeltl, a price that the Lakers are unwilling to meet for a player who would primarily serve as a backup.
Instead, the team is reportedly considering Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner, a name that has been linked to the Lakers for several years. Turner’s ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim makes him an attractive fit next to Davis, but it remains unclear whether the Pacers are truly willing to part ways with him.
Even if Turner is available, the cost to acquire him could be prohibitive for the Lakers, who are hesitant to part with significant assets for a player who may not be a long-term solution.
In the short term, the Lakers will rely on Jaxson Hayes, Christian Koloko, and Trey Jemison III to fill in at the center position. While Hayes has played better in recent weeks, he lacks the defensive presence that Davis provides, making it difficult for the Lakers to maintain their interior defense. Koloko and Jemison, meanwhile, are still unproven at the NBA level and may not be ready for consistent rotation minutes.
Beyond the center position, the Lakers are also exploring upgrades on the wing and in the backcourt. The team has struggled with playmaking and perimeter defense, areas that could be addressed at the deadline. Names like Lonzo Ball and Malcolm Brogdon have been mentioned as potential targets, but the Lakers are weighing the cost of acquiring another ballhandler against their need for size and rebounding.
Ultimately, the Lakers’ front office is taking a measured approach to the trade deadline. While Davis’ injury highlights some of the team’s weaknesses, they are determined not to make a rash decision that could compromise their future flexibility. With LeBron James still playing at a high level, the Lakers are looking for ways to improve their roster, but only at the right price.
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