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Anthony Davis Pushes Lakers GM to Make a Big Move Ahead of Trade Deadline

By Cem Yolbulan

Jan 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers center Mo Bamba (4) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Jan 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers center Mo Bamba (4) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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The NBA trade deadline is less than two weeks away and Lakers fans are desperately hoping for a trade or trades to improve the roster for the final stretch of the season. The Lakers are 24-18 and sit in fifth place in the loaded Western Conference. With only three games separating them and the 11th seed, the Lakers need to upgrade at the deadline to make sure they are a competitive and relevant playoff team.

Star big man Anthony Davis joined the bandwagon on Thursday. Speaking to ESPN's Shams Charania, the nine-time All-Star said that he wants the team to trade for another big man.

Lakers News: Anthony Davis Asks Front Office to Trade for a Center

Davis continued his words by claiming that he plays better as a power forward next to a center. Lakers fans are all too familiar with AD's desire to play the four. He has repeatedly made his preference known throughout his Lakers tenure.

At the same time, it is surprising that he makes a public plea like this ahead of the trade deadline. This puts pressure on GM Rob Pelinka and the front office. If there isn't a move for a big man, they will receive significant heat from the fanbase.

The Lakers are notably light in the frontcourt. Jaxson Hayes has been the backup center all season, while Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt have been sidelined with injuries. Hayes is not a good enough option to warrant playing extended minutes next to Davis.

Jonas Valanciunas and Walker Kessler have been speculated as potential Lakers targets all season. Valanciunas would be easier to acquire, but he has significant defensive shortcomings that make him a more questionable fit. Kessler is an excellent defender and rim-protector who can create spacing problems offensively. It would also likely require at least a first-round pick to acquire Kessler from Utah.

Which direction the Lakers decide to go remains to be seen but it's hard to imagine the front office ignoring this plea from one of its superstars.

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