
LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the cornerstone players of the Los Angeles Lakers, have made it clear that they want the franchise to take decisive action in upgrading the roster.
According to reporting from Shams Charania of ESPN, both stars believe the team is tantalizingly close to becoming a championship-caliber contender, requiring only one or two strategic acquisitions to reach that level.
However, concerns have been raised by James and Davis about the organization’s ability to successfully pull off the kind of impactful trades that could make this vision a reality.
The Lakers’ management, understanding the urgency and recognizing the importance of maximizing the prime years of their superstar duo, is reportedly open to leveraging their valuable first-round draft picks to secure players who can provide both immediate impact and sustained value in the coming years.
Under head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers are aiming for roster additions that align with the specific needs and identity of the Davis-James-led team, ensuring compatibility and long-term cohesion.
To that end, the front office has been actively surveying the trade market, conducting due diligence on potential targets across the league.
The organization is believed to be prioritizing the acquisition of a skilled and reliable big man to bolster their interior presence, as well as a versatile wing player who can contribute on both ends of the court.
These roles are seen as critical gaps that, if filled correctly, could transform the Lakers into a formidable contender capable of competing with the league’s elite teams.
One of the Lakers’ recent moves was the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith, a player known for his defensive versatility and three-point shooting.
However, Finney-Smith has encountered challenges in fully adapting to the Lakers’ system and finding his rhythm within the team.
While the organization remains hopeful about his potential to make meaningful contributions, the slow start underscores the importance of ensuring future additions are well-suited to the team’s style of play and immediate objectives.
As the trade deadline approaches, the pressure mounts for the Lakers to make strategic decisions that could define the remainder of their season.
With LeBron James continuing to defy age and Anthony Davis anchoring both ends of the floor when healthy, the window for championship contention is open but narrowing.
The team’s next moves could be pivotal in determining whether this iteration of the Lakers can capture another title in the near future or fall short of their lofty aspirations.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis Urging Lakers To Improve Roster https://t.co/EFe1N8MZxM
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 22, 2025