Anthony Davis has always been more effective playing next to a true center. In the 2017-18 season, he averaged a career-high 28.1 points playing next to DeMarcus Cousins. In the 2019-20 season, he captured his elusive NBA title playing besides Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee.
Over the past few seasons, though, Davis has been utilized as the sole big in most Lakers lineups. In theory, the Purple and Gold can’t be blamed, as teams around the league have adopted smaller lineups to improve floor spacing. Yet, Davis prefers returning to his natural position of power forward.
In an interview with ESPN’s Shams Charania, Davis pled with the Lakers front office to trade for a starting center before the Feb. 6 deadline.
“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 … 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 noted that the Lakers’ 2019-20 squad had “the perfect construction” with a roster of players who complimented one another. However, he sounded optimistic about the 2024-25 Lakers’ chances if they can add another piece or two.
“We feel like we are right there, you know, as far as the team and everything like that,” Davis said. “[LeBron James] and I are like very, very motivated to win another championship.”
Even Lakers head coach JJ Redick is keen on the team reverting to two-big lineups with Davis at power forward. To that end, Redick has tried different lineups recently with Jaxson Hayes averaging 15.3 minutes in January after failing to crack the rotation in December.
The Lakers have been linked to centers such as the Jazz’s Walker Kessler, the Wizards’ Jonas Valanciunas and the Hawks’ Clint Capela. Any of the three bruising bigs could fit next to Davis.
