Anthony Davis, showcasing his skills at power forward for the USA team, has caught the attention of the Los Angeles Lakers. His impressive play in this role may prompt the Lakers to seek a permanent center to complement him going forward.
While Davis has expressed a desire to play power forward, the Lakers have struggled to find a suitable teammate to support this preference. Paul Kasabian of Bleacher Report has proposed a solution by advocating for the Lakers to acquire Wendell Carter Jr. from the Orlando Magic.
Kasabian points out that the Lakers currently lack a clear backup center option. Carter, who is under contract for two more seasons with a remaining value of $50 million, emerged as a solid contributor last season for the Magic, averaging 11.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game as a starter.
In Kasabian’s view, trading for Carter could address a significant need for the Lakers, potentially offsetting the departure of another player like Russell, who might leave in free agency next offseason regardless. This move would bolster the Lakers’ frontcourt depth and provide Davis with the support he needs to excel at power forward.
The Los Angeles Lakers, constrained by limited cap space and seeking roster improvements, are reportedly eyeing Wendell Carter Jr. as a potential trade target this offseason. According to an NBA executive cited by Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, the Lakers are actively “monitoring” Carter, though they face competition from several other teams interested in his services.
Carter, currently in the third year of a four-year, $50 million contract, presents an attractive option for the Lakers due to his age, reasonable contract, and developing skill set. Despite concerns about past injuries, teams see Carter as undervalued and potentially a solid addition given his defensive prowess and ability to contribute on offense.
For the Lakers, acquiring Carter could mean more than just adding depth. It could reshape their starting lineup dynamics, potentially allowing Anthony Davis to shift to power forward while Carter anchors the center position. This adjustment could optimize Davis’ contributions and reduce his exposure to the physical demands of playing center full-time, thereby enhancing his durability over the course of the season.
From a defensive standpoint, pairing Davis and Carter would give the Lakers one of the most formidable frontcourt defenses in the NBA. Carter’s ability to defend and Davis’ elite defensive skills would provide a robust foundation for the team.
Offensively, Carter’s versatility, including his ability to shoot from beyond the arc (37.4% on 3.1 attempts per game in the 2023-24 season), could significantly benefit the Lakers. His outside shooting threat would help open up spacing for stars like Davis and LeBron James, potentially revitalizing the team’s offensive strategies, especially considering their relatively low three-point attempt rate last season.
Overall, while the Lakers have had a quiet offseason so far, targeting Carter in a trade could address key roster needs and alleviate concerns among fans and analysts alike. His potential fit alongside Davis and the overall upgrade he could bring to both ends of the floor make him a compelling trade target for Los Angeles as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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