Lakers GM Rob Pelinka wants to add a center so Anthony Davis can play more power forward.
In a critical summer for the Lakers, GM Rob Pelinka has a number of options to consider heading into free agency. According to league insider Ian Begley, their primary focus is finding an upgrade at center to play with Anthony Davis in the frontcourt.
“The Lakers are monitoring their offseason options at center closely, per people with knowledge of the situation. They have visited with some top centers in the draft,” wrote Begley. “They have the No. 17 pick in the first round. The club could also obviously pursue a center in free agency. Adding a traditional big man would, in theory, allow Anthony Davis more opportunity to play power forward alongside a center.”
With the NBA Finals officially over and next month on the horizon, teams across the league are gearing up for an intense offseason. Between the draft, free agency, and ongoing contract negotiations, a lot of variables are at play that could determine the future of the league itself.
For the Lakers, they find themselves at the center of it all with an aging superstar and dreams of competing with an incapable roster. They need to make a move this offseason or risk an ugly crash and burn down the line. Shoring up the frontcourt with size and depth is certainly a good place to start and it might just bring the best out of Davis.
Davis, a 9x All-Star, turned 31 back in March and the Lakers are determined to maximize his talents while he’s still in his prime. Through 76 games this season, Davis played mostly center and averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game on 55% shooting.
In the modern NBA, Davis (the 1st overall pick in 2012) has often been pushed to the five so that the Lakers can have some spacing on the floor and shooting around Davis and LeBron. Traditionally, however, Davis has always been more of a power forward. Davis prefers the position over playing center and I suspect he’ll be happy with more time on the court alongside another rim protector.
Unfortunately, the intel has yet to reveal a specific list of candidates but upcoming potential free agents include Nic Claxton, Jonas Valanciunas, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaxson Hayes, and Jericho Sims, among others. Of course, they could also pick up a big man in the draft such as prospects like Zach Edey or Adem Bona. The Lakers could look to add one of those names or, if they’re willing to give up some assets without worrying about player development, they could try and trade for one currently under contract.
Regardless, Rob Pelinka must take action if he wants to keep the championship window open for at least one year longer. At 39 years old, LeBron James just can’t carry like he used to and it’s about time that Davis stepped up and took the reigns for himself.
After capturing the title in 2020 with Davis and Dwight Howard in the frontcourt, the Lakers proved that they’re at their best with a focus on size and defensive identity. If they follow that game plan for the rest of the LeBron James era, I think it could be effective at winning games and giving the King the ending that he deserves. At the very least, it will set up Anthony Davis to be more successful both now and in the future long after LeBron has retired.
