Lakers’ Targeted Big Man Could Transform Game

Anthony Davis prefers playing power forward next to a big man.

In his first two years with the Lakers, he made more three-pointers and was a bigger threat driving to the basket. Since moving to center in 2021-2022, his three-point attempts have dropped significantly. Defensively, he’s still strong but can’t roam as much as he did when playing power forward. Playing center puts a lot of pressure on him to protect the rim, unlike when he had help from Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee during the Lakers’ 2020 championship run.

Many analysts believe that AD should return to his natural position at power forward. The Lakers seem to be listening.

Lakers’ Strategic Moves:

At the start of free agency this year, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported LeBron James was willing to take a pay cut for another big man like Jonas Valanciunas. But Valanciunas signed a $30 million deal with the Wizards instead because some Lakers players exercised their options. However, insiders say Valanciunas might still join the Lakers later this year.

On “Hoops Collective” podcast, Brian Windhorst mentioned that Valanciunas could end up on the Lakers after Dec. 15 when he’s trade-eligible . He also noted new coach JJ Redick’s comments about wanting a “big, bruising center.”

Fans might think this is an exciting possibility for the team.

A frontcourt duo of Valanciunas and Davis could be powerful and solve problems against teams like the Nuggets or Timberwolves with their strong lineups. The Lithuanian player is exactly what AD needs: someone who rebounds well, sets tough screens, and protects the rim.

This pairing could bring out Davis’s best performance again, just like during his Pelicans days.

Do you think adding Valanciunas will make a big difference?