Lakers’ Jeanie Buss Looks Forward to Offseason Talk with Anthony Davis

Los Angeles, California — After a stunning offseason trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić, Lakers president Jeanie Buss is eager to reconnect with the former star. Buss expressed her anticipation during an interview, stating, “I haven’t seen him face-to-face and I look forward to in the offseason.” This will be the first conversation since the trade, as Buss has been cautious due to accusations of tampering amidst NBA‘s strict regulations.

Davis played five and a half seasons with the Lakers, contributing significantly to their 2020 championship victory in the NBA bubble, where he averaged 25 points and 10.7 rebounds during the Finals. Buss acknowledged the importance of maintaining good relationships with players, a principle her father, Jerry Buss, emphasized during his tenure with the team.

Though Davis wished to play more as a power forward, he never anticipated being traded. The shocking trade, which was orchestrated by general manager Rob Pelinka, understandably surprised Davis and altered the Lakers’ roster dynamics significantly. LeBron James had to shoulder more responsibilities, playing center in small-ball lineups during the playoffs, which affected his performance.

During the playoffs, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, with size and defense being key issues. President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka commented on the team’s roster needs, stating, “We know we have a lot of work to do on the roster, and it will look different next year, for sure.”

As the offseason approaches, the Lakers face multiple challenges, including LeBron James’ looming player option and further contract discussions with Dončić. Enhancing the roster, particularly finding a reliable center, is crucial moving forward.

Ultimately, Buss aims to ensure the Lakers remain competitive and a desired destination for future talent, all while navigating the complexities of roster changes and making the most of the offseason.