Anthony Davis believes the Los Angeles Lakers are close to becoming serious title contenders but feels the team needs reinforcements.
Davis mentioned the frontcourt specifically and emphasised the need for another centre to maximise his impact on the court.
“I think we need another big,” Davis said. “I feel like I’ve always been at my best when I’ve been the 4, having a big out there.”
Both Davis and LeBron James have reportedly urged the Lakers’ front office to make moves ahead of the 6 February trade deadline
The Lakers, currently 24-18 after a dominant 117-96 victory over the Boston Celtics, sit just one-and-a-half games ahead of the seventh-seeded Dallas Mavericks.
With play-off positioning tight, James recently spoke on the precarious situation the team faces.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 24, 2025
“We have to play perfect basketball,” James said after Sunday’s loss to the LA Clippers.
The Lakers’ 2020 championship-winning team serves as a blueprint for Davis’ vision.
He described that roster as “the perfect construction,” crediting its mix of shooting, defence, and size, which allowed him to thrive as a power forward.
“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 said.
This season, Davis has been leading the Lakers with averages of 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, numbers comparable to his 2020 championship season.
However, the team has relied heavily on 7-footer Jaxson Hayes, who has provided modest contributions with 5.3 points and 3.9 rebounds across 20 games.
Davis remains optimistic but emphasised the urgency of bolstering the roster. “We feel like we are right there, you know, as far as the team and everything like that,” Davis said.
“[James] and I are like very, very motivated to win another championship.”
