Lakers Plan to Build Around LeBron James and Anthony Davis Before Trade Deadline

It’s no surprise that at this point in the NBA season the Lakers are looking to be buyers. The high-value team, who is usually right in the center of the playoff picture, is doing their best to stay afloat despite early season adversity, and trying to make the most of their aging stars.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis are cruising so far. The pair is putting up tons of points, grabbing rebounds, and leading the team as best they can. While that hasn’t led to the record they want, it shows that they still have plenty left in the tank and explains why the Lakers want to surround them with more talent.

Early trade reports show that the Lakers are expected to bring in more role players or another big name in order to bolster the two stars and help James on what could be his last run at a fifth ring. The only issue is the Lakers themselves.

For most high-profile franchises, the goal is to first bring in talent and then work to surround that talent with a strong supporting cast. The Lakers do well on the first part, but they’ve always had trouble getting role players. They hope to break that trend this season.

Waiting on a Missing Piece

While the Lakers managed to make a strong run in 2020, they still missed out on their top target Kawhi Leonard. Since then, the only notable names that worked out were D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley. That trio led to a Western Conference finals appearance, but hasn’t done much since.

Los Angeles notably did nothing during the latest offseason, and that inaction is coming back to haunt them. James and Davis are one of the best duos in the league and more than capable of once-again taking the Lakers to the promised land. They just need a little help.

Luckily, the Lakers are aware of that fact. Though it seemed they once might try to get by on the superstar play, the team is willing to make something happen.

Jovan Buha from the Athletic reported that the Lakers “are expected to be one of the more active buyers leading into the February 6th trade deadline.”

The Lakers are currently 22nd in net rating, suggesting they have a lot of talent despite their weak 14-12 record. If they’re playing at a higher level than those numbers suggest, it means it won’t take much to put them in the top half of the western standings.

Moves and Trade Targets

It seems Los Angeles is going to make a move, but right now nobody is sure what they’re going to give up. One of the big issues of only having two strong pieces is that there isn’t much to trade. The Lakers could deal future picks, but they would only do so for a big name.

Reports state the team is currently in the marker for three types of players. They either want a tough, physical center, a two-way wing, or an athletic guard who can muscle up offensive players and attack the rim.

Each of those roles would perfectly complement the way Davis and James like to play. A strong backup would offer more rest for the aging stars, while knock-down shooters would prevent double teams and open the offense.

That’s why Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas and Nets wings Cameron Johson and Dorian Finney-Smith all make sense. They could also go after Jazz Guard Collin Sexton, Raptors swingman Bruce Brown, Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, or Trail Blazers center Robert Williams.

It’s worth noting, however, they aren’t interested in big names like Jimmy Butler, Zach Lavine, and Brandon Ingram. They would be more than happy with any of those three, but they aren’t willing to pay their high price tag.

What They’re Giving Up

As the Lakers have no desire to trade draft picks if they don’t have to, they have a few player options. D’Angelo Russell ($18.69 million cap hit), Rui Hachimura ($17 million), Gabe Vincent ($11 million), and Jarred Vanderbilt ($10.71 million) are on the table.

Reports show the Lakers would like to hold onto Hachimura if possible, but they would also have no issue shipping him off if they could find something that works for both Davis and James.

Whatever happens, the two superstars aren’t going anywhere. Some have speculated that if things don’t improve the Lakers could move on from the duo in order to get a gigantic haul and prepare for a major rebuild. That doesn’t seem to be the case.

Not only would moving either piece be incredibly difficult due to James’ no-trade clause and both players’ gigantic contracts, but they seem happy in Los Angeles. Of course, the Lakers will have to think about what happens when the superstars leave, but that’s a problem for another season.

They’re in win-now mode, and help is more than likely on the way.