Lakers Rumors: Center, Wing, Guard Eyed to Bolster Roster Alongside LeBron, Davis

Doric SamDecember 17, 2024

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 02: Anthony Davis #3 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter at Target Center on December 02, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 109-80. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

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The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly aware of the holes on their roster that need to be filled prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline as they try to add talent around stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

According to The Athletic's Jovan Buha, the Lakers "believe they have three positional needs at the trade deadline," namely "a tough, physical, defensive-minded center," "a big 3-and-D wing who complements Davis and James as a starter/closer" and "a big, quick, athletic guard with point-of-attack defensive capabilities."

While the Lakers are aware of their most significant needs, there isn't an easy path toward improving their roster in the near future. Buha noted that "similar to last season, it's going to be difficult to address all three needs with one move — and without giving up both their 2029 and 2031 first-round picks."

Buha named Washington Wizards center Jonas Valančiūnas as "the buzziest name in league circles, who's been attached to the Lakers dating back to the summer." He added that Brooklyn Nets wings Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith "have been tied to the Lakers for months," with Finney-Smith being someone Los Angeles has been interested in "for at least a couple of years."

Other players that Buha identified as potential targets for the Lakers include Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and point guard Collin Sexton, Toronto Raptors swingman Bruce Brown Jr., Portland Trail Blazers wing Jerami Grant and center Robert Williams III and Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma. However, he added that Los Angeles is "not anticipated to be heavily in the mix" for star wings like Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat, Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans or Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls.

At 14-12, the Lakers rank 10th in a crowded Western Conference, though they're just three games out of a top-four spot. Los Angeles is hoping to contend for a title before the window of James and Davis' partnership closes, so the team will need to find more consistency throughout the year to achieve that goal.