Los Angeles Lakers star big man Anthony Davis has been vocal with his recommendation for the team's front office to acquire a Center that can join him in the frontcourt.
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While doing a sit down interview with ESPN's Shams Charania, AD opened up about his wishes for the team to make a move ahead of the approaching NBA trade deadline.
"I think we need another big," Davis said. "I feel like I've always been at my best when I've been the 4, having a big out there."
Anthony Davis pleading with the Lakers to trade for a center
(via @shamscharania) pic.twitter.com/ohc5gtPb2J
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 24, 2025
This is not a new request, as ever since AD became a Laker in the 2019-20 season, he has pointed out that he plays best next to a bigger Center. The reason being is this enables him to play more freely, not having to worry about doing everything on both sides of the ball.
With that being said, the only recent additions the Lakers have made for this position include bigs such as: Christian Wood, Thomas Bryant, Mo Bamba, and Jaxson Hayes.
Needless to say, they have not found a sustainable match to pair with their superstar.
To note, this season Hayes is about the only Center who has logged meaningful minutes this year, as he is currently averaging 5.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in 16.5 minutes per game across 20 appearances.
AD on his preference to play the 4: "The front office knows that. I told them that every year that I been here."
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) January 24, 2025
Even Lakers head coach JJ Redick was asked to address the possibility of making a trade.
Lakers coach JJ Redick’s comments about the report the Lakers star Anthony Davis wants another center added to the roster. pic.twitter.com/HyyZNUvWSA
— James H. Williams | USA Today (@JHWreporter) January 24, 2025
Redick discussed the reports, and said that he has been well aware of the suggestion.
"Those guys want to win, we wanna win," the Lakers head coach said. "And again, it's a challenging environment to just go out and make trades."
Redick did add, "Feel very fortunate that we were able to execute and get someone like Dorian Finney-Smith on our team. And we will continue to look over the next couple of weeks."
That is, the Lakers reportedly are attempting to engage in talks for Utah Jazz Center Walker Kessler at the moment but nothing has materialized as of yet, considering the high asking price.
The Lakers continue to call the Jazz about Walker Kessler, but Utah’s asking price is extremely high, per @ShamsCharania.
Los Angeles owns two first-round picks in 2029 and 2031 that are eligible to be moved at this year’s deadline. pic.twitter.com/9P76jkTVK7
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 23, 2025
With the lineup the way it is, 40-year-old LeBron James even pointed out, "We have to play perfect basketball [in order to win]."
Time will tell if the Lakers are able to adhere to AD's plea of adding size and defensive prowess down low, which will enable him to play his much preferred position at power forward more often.
"We know it worked when we won a championship with JaVale [McGee] and Dwight [Howard] at the 5 and I'm at the 4," Anthony Davis said to Shams.
JJ Redick says that the Lakers’ addition of the 6-10, 270-pound center Trey Jemison on a two-way contract coincides with his and his coaching staff’s interest in experimenting with more two-big lineups with Anthony Davis + another 5 on the floor pic.twitter.com/Bdtldpwz5m
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 16, 2025
To note, the Lakers have until February 6 to finalize a deal and make any last minute roster adjustments.
"We feel like we are right there, you know, as far as the team and everything like that," Davis concluded. "[LeBron] and I are like very, very motivated to win another championship."
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