LeBron James, Anthony Davis Push Lakers for Trade Deadline Moves

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — With the NBA trade deadline just over two weeks away, Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis are intensifying pressure on the front office to make significant roster upgrades. The Lakers, currently 23-18 and clinging to the sixth seed in the Western Conference, face mounting concerns about their ability to compete for a championship without additional reinforcements.

In an exclusive interview with ESPN‘s Shams Charania, Davis emphasized the need for another center to replicate the success of the Lakers’ 2019-20 championship team. “I think we need another big,” Davis said. “I feel like I’ve always been at my best when I’ve been a four and having a big out there. We know it worked when we won a championship with JaVale [McGee] and Dwight [Howard], them at the five and I’m at the four.”

Davis praised the construction of the 2019-20 roster, calling it “the perfect construction of a team” with shooters, defensive specialists, and defined roles. When asked if the current Lakers are multiple pieces away from contention, Davis responded, “We are. We are, though. I really feel like we are.”

LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion, has also expressed frustration with the team’s lack of movement ahead of the deadline. Sources close to the situation told ESPN that both James and Davis believe the Lakers are just one or two pieces away from being legitimate title contenders. However, the team’s limited trade assets—two first-round picks in 2029 and 2031—complicate their ability to make a major splash.

One name that has emerged as a potential target is Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, a young defensive anchor who could complement Davis in the frontcourt. However, acquiring Kessler would likely require significant draft capital, which the Lakers may be hesitant to part with.

The timing of Davis’ comments is strategic, coming just weeks before the February 8 trade deadline. The pressure now falls on Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, who must decide whether to meet the demands of his star players or risk alienating them by standing pat. With James turning 40 later this year and Davis battling injuries throughout his career, the urgency to win now is palpable.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Lakers’ front office to see if they can deliver the reinforcements needed to keep their championship aspirations alive.