Before the Trade Deadline: Shams Charania Discusses the Lakers’ Priorities
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers are working diligently to fine-tune their roster, striving to build a competitive team capable of challenging for an NBA title. Shams Charania, one of the most respected insiders in the NBA, has shared important details on the Lakers’ priorities as they prepare for potential trades. The Lakers are actively considering changes to their roster, and with superstar LeBron James aging and Anthony Davis in the prime of his career, the team is focusing on moves that will maximize their championship window.
The Lakers’ Need for a Quality Center
The centerpiece of the Lakers’ current discussions revolves around adding a quality center to the roster. While the team has had success in recent seasons, their lack of a consistent and reliable big man has been a weakness.
In particular, Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ star forward, has expressed a strong desire for the Lakers to bring in another big man to complement him on the court. Davis has long excelled when playing the power forward position, and he believes his optimal performance comes when he shares the floor with a true center.
Speaking to Shams Charania, Davis was open about his thoughts, saying, “I think we need another big. I feel like I’ve always been at my best when I’ve been the 4, having a big out there.” This sentiment highlights the Lakers’ priority: finding a center who can not only bolster their defense but also offer an offensive presence to give the team a more balanced attack.
A significant portion of the Lakers’ trade conversations has centered on acquiring a center who can protect the rim, rebound, and perhaps contribute offensively, while allowing Davis to operate more freely as a stretch forward. With Davis excelling as a versatile defender and offensive player, the Lakers believe that pairing him with a dominant center will enhance their championship prospects.
Trade Targets and Potential Deals
The Lakers have been in communication with several teams, keeping an eye on players who could fill the center role and potentially help them make a deep postseason run. As with all trade talks, the Lakers are also considering future flexibility and how any new acquisitions fit into their long-term plans.
Shams Charania has revealed that the Lakers are looking at teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, and Chicago Bulls as potential trade partners. These teams may be more willing to move key assets in exchange for future assets or rebuilding pieces, making them logical targets for the Lakers to approach.
The Lakers, who currently hold three first-round picks, have been quite open about their willingness to use these valuable assets to land a player who can contribute both immediately and in the years to come. Charania reported that the Lakers are targeting a player who can contribute to their efforts with LeBron James and Anthony Davis now, while also offering longevity for the future. This approach reflects the Lakers’ unique position: while they want to maximize their championship window with James and Davis, they also want to build a sustainable, successful team moving forward.
One example of a trade that has been discussed is the acquisition of a more traditional center who can serve as both a rim protector and someone capable of scoring in the post. This would allow Davis to focus on his strengths—stretching the floor, attacking the basket, and defending multiple positions.
Recent Moves and the Lakers’ Strategy
Although the Lakers’ primary focus has been on acquiring a center, the team has already made one important move to strengthen its roster. In December, the Lakers traded for veteran wing defender Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets. The deal saw D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round draft picks (2027, 2030, and 2031) head to Brooklyn in exchange for Finney-Smith and Milton.
Finney-Smith’s ability to defend and shoot from the perimeter provides the Lakers with added flexibility in their lineup. His three-and-D style complements the Lakers’ needs, particularly alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This move also strengthens the Lakers’ defensive capabilities, an area that has often been their Achilles’ heel in recent seasons.
The acquisition of Finney-Smith and Milton also created additional salary cap flexibility, as the Lakers were able to shed around $15 million in payroll. This gives them more financial leeway to potentially absorb a larger contract in any future trades they might pursue before the deadline.
As Charania reported, the Lakers’ front office is assessing how Finney-Smith fits into their system, which will ultimately influence the team’s decision-making in the coming weeks. If the addition of Finney-Smith and Milton doesn’t result in a clear path to a more well-rounded roster, the Lakers will likely pursue other trade opportunities to strengthen their chances at winning the title this season.
The Role of LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the Lakers’ Decisions
LeBron James, who continues to defy age and put up remarkable performances, is central to the Lakers’ strategy heading into the trade deadline. While he is often the focal point of the team’s offense, LeBron has been outspoken about the Lakers needing to improve in certain areas, particularly in terms of depth and adding more talent around him and Davis.
James’ championship aspirations continue to motivate the front office, and his influence is undoubtedly a factor in the team’s approach to the trade deadline. The Lakers will continue to rely heavily on LeBron to lead the way, but they know that the window for another championship run is rapidly closing. Therefore, any moves the Lakers make before the deadline will have the overarching goal of maximizing LeBron’s remaining years as an elite player while keeping their championship window wide open.
On the other hand, Anthony Davis is expected to remain the focal point of the team’s defense, and his play on both ends of the court will be key to the Lakers’ success this season. His preferences regarding the team’s need for a center are not just based on his own game but also on what he believes is best for the team’s overall success.
Thus, the Lakers are caught between two important factors: keeping their stars happy and productive in the short term while making moves that will lay the groundwork for future success. Their next trade moves will have to strike a balance between both of these priorities.
Long-Term Considerations and Financial Flexibility
While the Lakers are focused on competing for a championship this season, they are also mindful of the future. The team’s front office understands that the landscape of the NBA can change rapidly, and while LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain key pillars, the Lakers want to avoid putting themselves in a position where they are unable to maintain a competitive roster in the years to come.
This long-term outlook is why the Lakers are cautious about overcommitting to win-now moves. In a recent report, Charania pointed out that while the Lakers are prepared to move their three first-round picks, they want to ensure that any player they acquire fits into the larger picture. The Lakers’ management remains open to trades, but they will carefully consider how those moves will impact both the present and future.
The Deadline Approaches
As the trade deadline draws nearer, the Lakers’ priorities remain clear: add a center who can complement Anthony Davis, improve the overall depth of the roster, and give LeBron James the best possible chance to secure another NBA title. The Lakers are expected to make moves in the coming weeks, and how they navigate this trade deadline could determine the trajectory of their season.
With the right trade or combination of trades, the Lakers could emerge as one of the league’s top contenders in the postseason. However, if they fail to improve the roster, they may find themselves in a difficult position as they try to compete in a crowded Western Conference.
As we get closer to February 6, the Lakers’ front office will have to balance short-term goals with long-term vision, making the trade deadline one of the most pivotal moments of their season. Shams Charania’s reporting gives us a window into the thought process behind the Lakers’ moves, and it’s clear that the team is working hard to position itself for success in the postseason, with one eye on both the present and future.