The Los Angeles Lakers are acutely aware of Anthony Davis’ preferred style of play. Nearly a year ago, Davis formally requested that the Lakers’ front office add a center to the roster who could help alleviate some of the interior burdens he carries. This request, it seems, remains unfulfilled. As Davis continues to shine as one of the top players on Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, his earlier plea for support remains a significant point of discussion.
During the Olympics, Davis has been a defensive anchor and offensive playmaker for Team USA. He’s been playing alongside some of the best big men in the game, including Bam Adebayo and Joel Embiid—both of whom are among the few who can rival Davis in terms of talent and impact on the court. Davis’ experience with these players brings his ongoing request into sharp focus.
In a revealing comment highlighted by the official FIBA Basketball website, Davis pointed out the crucial role that Embiid plays on the team, stating, “We have a lot of scoring guards, it’s our job to give them second chance opportunities, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, blocks, just do our parts. (Joel Embiid) has been aggressive, dominant and that’s what we’re gonna need in the next game. He came out ready to play, obviously the crowd booing him feeds into it, he embraces it, and he’s been the spark on our team.”
This statement is a striking reminder of Davis’ request to the Lakers for a similar level of support. His praise for Embiid is not just about the present; it’s a nod to what he believes is missing in Los Angeles—a dominant interior presence that can ease the immense burden he shoulders.
The Lakers, much like Team USA, rely heavily on a deep group of perimeter-oriented shot creators. This group includes stars like Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell, with players such as Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, and Gabe Vincent also expected to play significant roles. However, this style of play has left Davis in a position where he’s had to take on more than his fair share of responsibilities in the paint.
During the 2023-24 NBA season, Davis ranked No. 1 in the league in second-chance points, but the Lakers as a team were dead last in that category. He also ranked No. 4 in blocks and No. 11 in offensive rebounds, but Los Angeles struggled as a whole, ranking No. 21 in points allowed in the paint and No. 30 in offensive rebounding. These statistics underscore the fact that Davis’ individual excellence hasn’t been enough to cover the team’s deficiencies in the interior.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has been vocal about the need to add a big, bruising center to the roster, signaling that the organization is aware of the issue. However, despite this acknowledgment, the Lakers have yet to add a new player to the roster via any avenue other than the 2024 NBA Draft and two-way contracts. When, or if, this situation will change remains uncertain.
There have been reports that the Lakers plan to make a consolidation trade closer to the start of the 2024-25 season. The aim would be to adjust the roster in a way that creates a more balanced and clearly defined rotation. Yet, as the season approaches, Davis and Lakers fans alike are left wondering if his request for additional interior help will finally be addressed.
As the 2024 Olympics progress, Davis’ performance alongside top-tier centers like Embiid only serves as a reminder of what could be if the Lakers heed his advice. For now, the suspense continues, with the hope that Davis’ request won’t remain unanswered for much longer.
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