Anthony Davis told NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN that he wants the Los Angeles Lakers to trade for a center.
“I think we need another big,” Davis said. “I feel like I’ve always been at my best when I’ve been the 4, having a big out there.”
The Lakers won the 2020 championship with Davis at the 4.
“We know it worked when we won a championship with JaVale [McGee] and Dwight [Howard] at the 5 and I’m at the 4,” Davis said.
The Lakers are 24-18 on the season under first-year head coach JJ Redick. They are in fifth place in the Western Conference standings.
“We feel like we are right there, you know, as far as the team and everything like that,” Davis said.
One of the top players in the NBA, Davis is averaging 25.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.2 blocks this season while shooting 52.3% from the field, 31.5% from beyond the arc and 78.6% from the free-throw line.
After the Lakers beat the Boston Celtics, Davis doubled down on his comments about wanting to play the 4.
“I only started playing the five in 2021,” Davis said. “I’d have stretches, but I was primarily a four. So my whole career I’ve been playing the four. And we’ve seen how I play. I just feel a little bit more effective (at the four). I mean, (playing the five) has its advantages and disadvantages. But the front office knows that. I’ve told them that every year I’ve been here. So it’s nothing new. But I just feel like, personally, I’m a better player at the four.”
Davis and LeBron James are still a deadly one-two punch. Los Angeles already made one trade this season, sending D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.
It will be fascinating to see if the Lakers make another trade.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!