LeBron James has been a pivotal part of the Los Angeles Lakers, both on and off the court. The implications of his role in the selection of the head coach have been catching attention again. However, this time, a close friend of King James has emerged to break the strings between the Lakers star’s inclination for JJ Redick and the coaching position. The 39-year-old’s agent, Rich Paul, made some revelations while talking with Bleacher Report on the chaos post-Darvin Ham’s ouster.

When reporter Chris Haynes asked Paul if LeBron was pushing for Redick’s inclusion, the latter replied, “With every team he’s been on as the best player [LeBron], you have some type of insight, or the team may ask about your thoughts.” However, Paul emphasized that this insight does not go beyond opinion. The highlight of James’ reply was not regarding James but a 31-year-old Lakers star who might play the lead role in the coaching search. “The Lakers focus should probably be more so on Anthony Davis than LeBron at this point,” Paul advised the Lakers front office on their center’s importance rather than LeBron.

The advice from Paul makes sense, as Anthony Davis is much younger and more consistent than LeBron James. Moreover, the Lakers center will stay with the team till a minimum of 2027. Therefore, the organization has the scope to build a new team around the basketball star. On the contrary, LeBron has been dilly-dallying about his presence on the court as an NBA player in the future. Yet James’ significance cannot be ignored in the purple and gold jerseys. After all, he won four championships for the team. But the statement from Paul happening to be James’ friend is also something worth considering.

Why should Anthony Davis be the future focal point rather than LeBron James for the Lakers?

The Prime James and Anthony Davis together won a championship for the Lakers in 2019-20. However, since then, the duo has failed to give any trophy to the front office. After this year’s playoff run failure, the purple and gold jerseys can’t center the team around King James. He is one of the oldest NBA players performing right now. The announcement of his retirement can be anytime soon in the upcoming two years. On the other hand, Davis has time and performance in the last 76 games. It was the career-high match appearance for him.

He has averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists this season playing alongside the Lakers squad. Moreover, the 31-year-old also made it to the All-NBA second team with his staggering play. Yet the accolades list is not over yet. Davis also made it to the 2023-24 Kia NBA All-Defensive First Team per NBA. The center joined legends like Kobe Bryant (nine times), Michael Cooper (five), Jerry West (four), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (three), and Wilt Chamberlain (two) as multiple NBA All-Defensive First Team honorees.

Slowly but persistently, Anthony Davis is taking up the role of an inspiring figure in the Lakers. After LeBron, the team might be looking up to Davis for guiding them to the championship. In such circumstances, it’ll be better to appoint a coach with consensus from Davis and James. Until the Lakers front office announces such an update, you can check out what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius; watch this video.