Los Angeles Lakers’ standout forward Anthony Davis has expressed his desire for the team to pursue a Center to complement him in the frontcourt.
During an interview with ESPN‘s Shams Charania, Davis shared his thoughts on the need for a roster move before the upcoming NBA trade deadline.
“I think we need another big,” Davis stated. “I feel like I’ve always been at my best when I’m playing the 4 position, having a larger Center alongside me.”
Anthony Davis pleading with the Lakers to trade for a center
(via @shamscharania) pic.twitter.com/ohc5gtPb2J
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 24, 2025
This isn’t a new sentiment; since joining the Lakers in the 2019-20 season, Davis has consistently indicated his preference for playing alongside a more traditional Center. This arrangement allows him to perform more effectively without the burden of handling every aspect of the game.
However, recent acquisitions have included players like Christian Wood, Thomas Bryant, Mo Bamba, and Jaxson Hayes, none of whom have established a lasting partnership with their star player.
This season, Hayes is the only Center to have seen significant playing time, averaging 5.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in 16.5 minutes across 20 games.
AD on his preference to play the 4: “The front office knows that. I told them that every year that I’ve been here.”
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) January 24, 2025
Even head coach JJ Redick was asked about the potential for trades during a recent discussion.
Lakers coach JJ Redick’s comments about the report that Lakers star Anthony Davis wants another center on the roster. pic.twitter.com/HyyZNUvWSA
— James H. Williams | USA Today (@JHWreporter) January 24, 2025
Redick acknowledged the reports, noting that he is aware of the request.
“Those guys want to win, and we want to win,” Redick stated. “But it’s a tough situation to just go out and make trades.”
Redick further added, “I feel fortunate that we managed to secure someone like Dorian Finney-Smith for our roster. We’re continually exploring options over the next few weeks.”
At present, reports indicate that the Lakers are in discussions with the Utah Jazz regarding Center Walker Kessler, though progress has been slow due to Utah’s steep 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
Given the current lineup, even 40-year-old LeBron James has remarked on the need for a flawless performance for the team to succeed.
It remains to be seen if the Lakers can act on Davis’s request for increased size and defensive strength in the paint, which would allow him to play his favored position at power forward more frequently.
“We know it worked when we won a championship with JaVale [McGee] and Dwight [Howard] at the 5 and I’m at the 4,” Davis shared with Shams.
JJ Redick says that the Lakers’ addition of 6-10, 270-pound center Trey Jemison on a two-way contract aligns with the team’s interest in exploring more two-big lineups featuring Anthony Davis and another 5 on the floor pic.twitter.com/Bdtldpwz5m
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 16, 2025
The Lakers have until February 6 to finalize any trades and make last-minute roster changes.
“We feel like we’re very close, you know, regarding the team and everything else,” Davis concluded. “[LeBron] and I are extremely motivated to secure another championship.”
