Lakers’ Anthony Davis Pushes for Trade Deadline Moves to Boost Title Hopes

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis has publicly urged the franchise to acquire a center before the NBA’s Feb. 6 trade deadline, emphasizing the team’s need for roster upgrades to contend for a championship. Davis, who has been vocal about his preference to play power forward, believes adding a big man could replicate the success of the Lakers’ 2020 title-winning roster.

“I think we need another big,” Davis told ESPN‘s Shams Charania this week. “I feel like I’ve always been at my best when I’ve been the 4, having a big out there.” Davis, who leads the Lakers with averages of 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, pointed to the 2020 championship team’s construction, which featured centers JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard, as a model for success.

The Lakers, currently 23-18 and just one game ahead of the seventh-place team in the Western Conference, have struggled with consistency this season. LeBron James echoed Davis’ concerns following a recent blowout loss, stating, “We have to play perfect basketball.” James and Davis have reportedly expressed their desire for the front office to make significant moves before the trade deadline, sources told Charania.

Davis highlighted the importance of roster depth, particularly in the frontcourt. The Lakers have relied heavily on 7-footer Jaxson Hayes, who is averaging 5.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in 20 games. “We know it worked when we won a championship with JaVale and Dwight at the 5 and I’m at the 4,” Davis said. “[James] and I are very, very motivated to win another championship.”

The Lakers’ recent struggles have intensified the pressure on general manager Rob Pelinka to make impactful trades. With the team’s championship window narrowing, Davis and James are pushing for immediate improvements to bolster their title aspirations. “We feel like we are right there,” Davis added. “We are one or two pieces away.”

As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers face critical decisions that could shape the future of the franchise. With Davis and James leading the charge, the team’s ability to address its roster deficiencies will likely determine its playoff trajectory and championship potential.