The Los Angeles Lakers could be taking notes when Anthony Davis plays four for the USA Team. Davis appears to be in the best shape he has ever been in, which may entice them to locate a full-time center to play him at power forward in the future.
Davis has already stated his desire to play the four, but the Lakers have yet to find someone who can assist him in doing so. However, Bleacher Report’s Paul Kasabian discovered a remedy by asking Los Angeles to trade for Orlando Magic’s Wendell Carter Jr.
“The Lakers currently do not have a clear backup option at the 5 position. Carter, who has two seasons left on his four-year, $50 million contract, could be the answer,” Kasabain wrote on July 16. “Last season, he averaged 11.0 points on 52.5 percent shooting and 6.9 rebounds as a starter for the Magic.
“Adding Carter could theoretically cost the Lakers Russell, but he could depart for free next year regardless. Carter could potentially fit a larger need, as the Lakers require additional frontcourt depth.
The Lakers are’monitoring’ Carter.
With the Los Angeles Lakers failing to make a free-agent move to upgrade their squad and restricted spending power owing to their position slightly below the second apron, they will have to rely on trades this offseason.
They appear to be doing that.
According to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, an NBA executive stated that the Lakers are “monitoring” Carter, as are many other teams.
“Fairly young, probably a little undervalued because of his red flags (injuries) and still tapping into his skillset,” the executive stated on July 10, 2016. “The contract is appropriate; it makes sense for them. They’re keeping an eye on that player, but so are many other teams.”
Carter is entering the third year of his four-year, $50 million contract, allowing the Lakers to easily match his money. The question then becomes who the Orlando Magic might want, which might complicate signing the 25-year-old.
Carter may complement Davis. Adding another center isn’t needed for backup purposes. Carter might start at center, freeing up Davis to play power forward.
While Davis could still play the five when necessary, this would allow him to focus on other aspects of the game, maybe helping him stay healthy.
With Davis, an outstanding defender, and Carter, who can hold his own on defense, the Los Angeles Lakers would have one of the finest frontcourt defenses in the NBA.
Aside from what Carter may bring in terms of lineup adaptability, the Lakers could benefit greatly from his scoring abilities. In 2023-24, he averaged 11.0 points and hit 37.4% from three on 3.1 tries per game.
Giving Davis and LeBron James a 3-point shooting threat from the center position might help open up the Lakers’ offense, which attempted the fewest 3-pointers per game last season.
The Lakers are running out of alternatives, and their quiet offseason has sparked concerns. However, responding to such queries with a trade for Carter could alleviate some of the suspicions around them.
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