With the NBA trade deadline quickly approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers need to get to work if they plan on making another move this season. According to NBA insider Anthony Irwin, the franchise has now pivoted to finding a big man after Anthony Davis‘ recent comments.
“Sources close to the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity, say the Lakers have heard him loud and clear and plan to add a center before the trade deadline in less than two weeks,” wrote Irwin. “It’s at the top of their list of priorities, which also includes more perimeter toughness defensively, a guard to help with the second unit, and adding more physicality anywhere they can find it.”
The Lakers made a trade earlier this season involving Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton in a bid to add more depth on the wing. But in the wake of continued struggles for the Lakers, Anthony Davis went on record to pressure the team into adding another center.
Davis, 31, prefers to play power forward and that was the position he played when he led the Lakers to a title in 2020. But as the roster has changed over the years, Davis has slid down to Center and it’s been his primary assignment ever since.
But now, Davis is ready to return to his natural position, even if it means more changes to the roster. Instead of ignoring the message, the Lakers have seemingly embraced it and now finding a center is at the top of their priorities this season.
After giving up D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers are somewhat limited in the assets they can offer but they still have some tradeable players and picks to spare. The question is, who can they acquire before February’s deadline?
In Indiana, Myles Turner has been rumored to be on the trade block amid ongoing contract issues. As a defensive-minded big with years of experience, Turner would be an instant upgrade for the Lakers and someone who could bring the best out of Anthony Davis. Of course, the asking price may be too steep for L.A. to meet.
Another expensive option is Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic. The longtime NBA veteran center was a former All-Star for the Magic but he could be a great option for the Lakers to add some offensive versatility to the frontcourt.
There’s also young big man Walker Kessler. With averages of 12.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game on 72.7% shooting, the 23-year-old big man is someone who could stick around for the foreseeable future. The Lakers have already been in talks for him and it may not be long before they strike a deal.
Whether the Lakers find a center or not, it’s a good sign that they are willing to listen to their stars on which players to target on the trade market. At 31 years old, Anthony Davis is especially important to what they are doing right now and the best course of action is for them to surround him with the best supporting cast possible.
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