Lakers committed to LeBron, Davis amid struggles

Dec 17, 2024 5:53 PM

The Los Angeles Lakers have firmly dismissed any speculation about trading either LeBron James or Anthony Davis, per Jovan Buha of The Athletic.

Even amid the team’s struggles, which have left them sitting in 10th place in the Western Conference after a promising start to the season, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to building around its two marquee players.

This stance, however, could only change if either James or Davis were to personally request a trade – an outcome that, at least for now, appears highly unlikely.

Anthony Davis, who is earning $43.2 million this season, has been a dominant force, delivering one of the most impressive campaigns of his career. His elite two-way play has been a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent season for the Lakers.

Meanwhile, LeBron James, despite battling scoring efficiency issues, continues to play a crucial leadership role on and off the court. With a salary of $48.7 million, the 38-year-old remains the heart of the Lakers’ ambitions.

While the Lakers are expected to be active on the trade market, the scale of their potential moves remains uncertain. League sources suggest that the front office is weighing its options carefully, mindful of the need to maintain flexibility for the future.

Past trade discussions offer insight into the Lakers’ strategy: negotiations with the Atlanta Hawks last season regarding Dejounte Murray fell apart when the Lakers refused to include Austin Reaves in the deal.

Reaves, currently earning $13 million, has solidified himself as the team’s third option offensively and remains a vital piece of their core.

In addition to Reaves, the Lakers have identified younger players such as Dalton Knecht and Max Christie as long-term assets, indicating a balanced approach to win-now moves while retaining prospects for the future.

The team also possesses several medium-sized contracts that could be valuable trade chips: D’Angelo Russell ($18.7 million), Rui Hachimura ($17.0 million), Gabe Vincent ($11 million), and Jarred Vanderbilt ($10.7 million).

Moreover, the Lakers have significant draft capital at their disposal. They can offer two tradable first-round picks and as many as three first-round swaps in a deal, giving them the ability to explore high-impact trades should the opportunity arise.

However, with their focus on preserving key players and navigating the challenges of the season, it’s unclear whether the team will opt for incremental adjustments or pursue a blockbuster deal.

Ultimately, the Lakers seem committed to staying the course with James and Davis at the helm.