The Los Angeles Lakers showcased resilience Thursday night, delivering a dominant 134-107 win over the Washington Wizards despite missing key players, including Anthony Davis, who was sidelined with an abdominal strain. The absence of Gabe Vincent and Dorian Finney-Smith further thinned the roster, but the Lakers responded with an offensive explosion, setting a season-high in points.

Before tip-off, JJ Redick emphasized the need for an “All hands on deck” approach, and the Lakers delivered. LeBron James led the charge, but contributions from Rui Hachimura and Shake Milton played a crucial role. By the fourth quarter, the game was firmly in hand, allowing bench players—including Bronny James—to step in. The rookie even scored his second bucket of the season, sending fans into a frenzy.

Hachimura Reveals Pre-Game Team Meeting

Following the game, Hachimura revealed that the Lakers held a team meeting to address their strategy in Davis’ absence.

“We talked about, we have to play our games… we have to move the ball more. So we, we talk about it before the game and then we execute the offense,” Hachimura said.

Redick’s system typically revolves around Davis, and his absence forced the Lakers to adjust their ball-handling responsibilities. However, their opponent, the Wizards, sits near the bottom of the NBA standings, raising questions about whether the Lakers can sustain success without Davis.

The Lakers need to update their roster as per Anthony Davis’ wish

With the February 6 trade deadline approaching, speculation around potential roster moves is intensifying. While much of the focus has been on acquiring a center, the Lakers also face a playmaking shortage following the D’Angelo Russell trade. Currently, LeBron James  and Austin Reaves shoulder most of the ball-handling duties, a situation that may not be sustainable.

Even inside the locker room, players know they need another guard. Dan Woike of the LA Times pointed it out, and if you watched Tuesday’s loss to the Sixers, you saw why. Shake Milton and Bronny James got minutes, but let’s just say fans weren’t exactly thrilled with that experiment.

Of course, adding a center is still a priority—Anthony Davis basically called out the front office about it. But here’s the problem: the market is brutal. Finding a big man who can both complement AD and hold his own when Davis sits? Easier said than done. Fans wanted Walker Kessler, but that dream looks dead.

The Lakers can’t afford to throw Band-Aid fixes at this. Whether it’s a center, a guard, or both, they need players who actually move the needle. The trade deadline is coming fast, and Rob Pelinka has some serious work to do. Because let’s be honest—this team needs more than just hope to stay in the fight.