“They don’t see the stuff we do off the court and time we hang out with each other. They see on-court stuff.” Two years ago, Anthony Davis confirmed that his and LeBron James’ friendship was “one of the best” in the NBA. However, as the times are changing, is the face of the relationship too? Currently, the last thing a Lakers fan wants now is a broken locker room. The LA side has picked itself up whenever it has fallen this season.

One of the main reasons behind the comeback is the strong union of the team’s veterans, James and Davis. If there’s any ruffle in their bond, then the future is anyone’s guess. Unfortunately, the Lakers Nation may have to worry a bit as the two vets engaged in a heated argument amid the intense match-up against the Warriors.

Mid-way through the third quarter, it seemed like the Lakers had overcome the unhealthy pattern of giving the game away in the second half. Starting the quarter with a one-point lead, the team seemed determined to take control of the game. They indeed achieved it, but at what cost?

Around the 9th minute mark in the third quarter, the Lakers forced the Warriors to take a timeout after an 8-0 run. The LA players headed to the bench with happy smiles. However, one man wasn’t happy, and it was LeBron James. Sitting beside Anthony Davis, Bron engaged in an argument while the rest of the players and staff watched it in silence. It went on for like a good 25 seconds until Coach Redick sat in front of them with the board.

Notably, this could have been yet another heated debate between two competitive players. But the current situation that the Lakers have put themselves in, could mean something different.

A few days ago, Anthony Davis openly called for help, saying, “I think we need another big… I feel like I’ve always been at my best when I’ve been a four and having a big out there.” AD didn’t just raise a request out of nowhere, but it has been a long-pending unanswered request. And now, it’s the game of who responds to the argument, and how!

Will the Lakers react to the heated debate?

Ahead of the deadline, the Lakers roped in Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, strengthening the wing. However, the team’s attempt to get a center to take the load off AD has been an unfinished business. Especially, during the 2024 off-season, LeBron James even came forward to sacrifice his salary to accommodate a veteran big, but it went in vain.

Now that Anthony Davis has openly made a request, did the team respond? It seemed like AD’s cry for help had reached the front office. According to NBA Insider Anthony Irwin, the team has heard it “loud and clear”, as he wrote, the Lakers have a “plan to add a center before the trade deadline in less than two weeks.”

With only less than two weeks left before the trade deadline, can the Lakers front office keep their promise and most importantly, keep AD satisfied? Above all, keeping AD satisfied should be the team’s priority as the big man is all geared up to take the baton from LeBron James and lead the Lakers following the superstar’s retirement.

Moreover, Davis seemed to have already made up his mind to play basketball without Bron on the court. In a recent interview with Shams Charania, he said, “It’s a mindset of like you have to dominate each game you got to take over you know like Bron’s not going to be here you know so you come in and have a bad night like how can you still find ways to win a basketball game.” 

It’s a clear indication that the Lakers’ front office should take it seriously before things go South ways. What do you make of it? Let us know in the comments.