The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to make at least one more run at a championship with their current core. LeBron James is starting to show his age slightly, but his play on the court is often still elite. Anthony Davis is having a career year to start the season, averaging 30.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1,8 blocks per game. However, the depth behind Davis is thin. As they have the past few years, all indications are the Lakers will be active at the trade deadline. Reports indicate they are shopping for a big man to help take some pressure off of Davis.
Los Angeles Lakers Want To Add A Center
ESPN’s Shams Charania made an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday and talked about the rumors surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers. Even though the trade deadline is still months away, teams have not been shy about letting their intentions known. The Lakers want another high-quality center on the roster.
“They have said this for a while, and I’ve reported this—they are actively looking for a big man to add to that lineup. Who could that be? But they have assets to play with, they have contracts to play with.”
Currently, Christian Koloko and Jaxon Hayes are the backup centers on the roster. None of them come close to the level of Davis. Charania noted they do not have a specific player they are wanting but are actively seeing who might be available as the trade deadline approaches. While the Los Angeles Lakers have sent many of their picks in previous trades, they still have some left in the war chest. They also have plenty of tradeable contracts to make the math work.
Who Might Be Available?
As of this moment, all of this is speculation but there are some big men who could be available at the trade deadline. Indiana is having a subpar start to the season after their Eastern Conference Finals run last season. Myles Turner and/or Obi Toppin might be available at the deadline. Turner was rumored to be one of the Lakers’ targets in the past, but nothing ever materialized.
Clint Capela is another interesting name to watch. The Hawks have had a roller-coaster season so far. Some nights, they look unstoppable, and others, they fall flat. Capela is a much different player than Davis but could do some pick-and-roll with LeBron and Austin Reaves for the Los Angeles Lakers. Nikola Vucevic could be on the move, but the Bulls will likely have a high asking price. Those are the high-end centers that could be on the trade block. There are some quality role players, but the Los Angeles Lakers seem to want to swing for the fences.
What Could They Give Up?
Jarred Vanderbilt and Jalen Hood-Schifino are the obvious players that could be moved. D’Angelo Russell is the obvious name especially given his contract. However, his play has been more of an asset this ye,ar at times. In terms of picks, the 2029 first round pick will undoubtedly be the prize for any team.
Within the next two to three years, James will retire, and Davis might also decide to be done. This team may be in a rebuild in 2029, making that pick attractive for a current rebuilding team. Unlike in past years, there are plenty of assets, but it all depends on how big of a swing they want to make.
Final Thoughts
The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to slow starts in the past few seasons. They spend the rest of the year trying to dig themselves out of a hole. That is not the case this season. They currently sit at 9-4, playing great basketball. Their first-round pick, Dalton Knecht, is a perfect fit for this team, and his confidence is growing after tying the NBA rookie record for threes made in a game. This team feels a tier below the contenders, but a team with LeBron and Davis cannot be counted out. As the trade deadline gets closer, expect the Lakers to be very active in talks with the bottom feeders of the league.
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