After the Lakers acquired wing players Finney-Smith and Milton, the team did put up some impressive performances, but they were still unable to stop their losing streak, especially when facing two teams from the Southwest Division, the Rockets and a weakened Mavericks lineup, where they were thoroughly exposed. Although it takes time for new players to integrate, it does not mask the dissatisfaction of the Lakers' star player, Anthony Davis. After suffering two consecutive losses, the team refused to participate in post-game interviews, with their behavior clearly expressing their emotions. As the head coach's designated tactical core, Anthony Davis' good days have not changed due to the arrival of Redick; instead, he has become the team's "clean-up" player, filling in wherever there is a gap.
On the offensive end, as the team's tactical finisher, he not only has to use his proficient skills for close combat but also fight tooth and nail for second-chance rebounds. During the transition back on defense, Anthony Davis must also try his best to guard the opposing team's center, which undoubtedly consumes his energy. Due to the lack of an outstanding and stable center to replace Davis, his average playing time this season has reached 35 minutes, ranking 26th in the league. However, the two-way player Koloq in the roster seems to have fallen out of favor with the head coach. After coming off the bench for 21 games, he gradually disappeared from the team's active list, with his last appearance for the Lakers dating back to January 3, 2025.
Therefore, strengthening the team's frontcourt has become an urgent task for Pelinka. There are new developments regarding the previously interested center candidate Valanciunas. According to Lakers beat reporter Anthony Irwin: The Wizards have made concessions in their asking price for Valanciunas and are no longer fixated on a first-round pick. However, the Lakers are still unwilling to trade their current second-round pick for Valanciunas, which seems somewhat stubborn. However, the reluctance to strengthen the traditional center position is not Pelinka's fault but rather Coach Redick's arrangement. After the Lakers acquired Finney-Smith, Redick consciously benched center Hayes in the next game. It should be noted that after Anthony Davis was absent, Hayes successfully carried the Lakers' frontcourt banner. But with the return of the team's elder brother, Hayes' role has been continuously diminished until he was DNP (Did Not Play).
So far, based on Redick's personnel arrangements, it can be inferred that the new coach seems to have little interest in any traditional centers other than Davis. Therefore, the team management is reluctant to use trading assets to acquire a player who may not get much playing time. However, regardless of whether a trade occurs, the problems exposed in the frontcourt need to be addressed promptly; otherwise, the team has no hope of contending for the championship this season. From the perspective of the Lakers coaching staff, they have placed their bets on the injured Vanderbilt. Once this frontcourt player returns, the center position will undoubtedly be his.
Without commenting on whether such a deployment will yield miraculous effects, Vanderbilt has already missed nearly half of the team's schedule, and his competitive state is uncertain. Yet, he is being entrusted with a heavy responsibility, which is somewhat self-deceptive. The Lakers management will not put all their eggs in one basket. They are trying to strengthen their blue-collar frontcourt in the trade market, with Nets center Sharpe and Hornets center Richards becoming potential targets for the Lakers.
According to Lakers beat reporter Anthony Irwin: As early as in the Finney-Smith trade, the Lakers inquired about the possibility of acquiring center Sharpe but were told that this would require additional draft pick compensation. Pelinka did not delve into discussions and is still monitoring the situation regarding Sharpe's trade. This talented young player averages 19.6 minutes per game this season, scoring 7.3 points and grabbing 6.1 rebounds. His arrival could indeed relieve the pressure on both ends of the court for Anthony Davis and provide security for the Lakers' second unit's frontcourt. Abandoning Valanciunas and pursuing him is simply too wise.
