Are LeBron James and Anthony Davis Enough to Win the Lakers a Championship?

The Los Angeles Lakers sure gained Anthony Davis as a boon this season. Even if he isn’t a long time player yet, he has grown tremendously with the team. We take a look at probable star additions, replacements for Davis, and if he stays, potential teammates.

The Los Angeles Lakers must look for starry triplets

Los Angeles Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma became synonymous with the term ‘trade’ earlier this year before the trade deadline. In a surprising turn of events, the Lakers decided to keep him.

Gaining another star player should to be on the team’s mind, especially now that Anthony Davis’ contract with the Lakers is almost up. If he stays, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the third star player will take the Lakers deep into the playoffs.

Unfortunately, the fact that LeBron James and Anthony Davis take up most of the Lakers’ salary cap (and for good reason), does not help the team in this matter.

Potential players who can join the Lakers even if Anthony Davis stays

The Los Angeles Lakers paid a hefty sum to gain the superstar big man Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans last summer. The Lakers traded Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks for the 27-year-old.

If one is to determine who the Lakers can sign onto the roster while maintaining the salary cap, two names fit perfectly.

Christian Wood

In his last fifteen games, Christian Wood has shown his strength in Detroit. He is averaging 22.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.9 stocks on 41.0 percent shooting from three.

Pistons provide a favorable spot for Wood, however, Wood looks like he would make a significantly better option than Kyle Kuzma. He might play a secondary role, but also looks like he might make the minutes count.

The Lakers can also do some moving around the cap room to sign Christian Wood, even if Anthony Davis stays.

Hassan Whiteside

Portland Trail Blazers center Hassan Whiteside had a bad 2018-19 season with the Miami Heat. Fortunately for him and the Trail Blazers, he seems to have found his rhythm again.

Whiteside is currently averaging 16.4 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game on 61.8 percent shooting from the field. These are big numbers as compared to his earlier performance with the Heat.

His 3.68 PIPM mark on the season makes him the 14th-most valuable player, above the marks of star players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Joel Embiid. It really is a remarkable achievement.

Even though we’re not sure if Whiteside will space out on the court, he will cost a lot less in free agency. Additionally, his excellent comeback to stardom may flourish faster and better with the Lakers.

What if Anthony Davis leaves?

Much to the Lakers’ anguish, Davis holds a player option for the upcoming season. Davis’ Klutch Sports super-agent Rich Paul is reportedly eyeing a super-max contract for his star client to keep him with the Lakers. Davis will enter free agency at the conclusion of the 2019-2020 season.

However, this will open up space in the Los Angeles Lakers’ salary cap. It will help them gain another star on the team’s roster.

When we think of which star player could replace Anthony Davis on the Lakers, we think of Andre Drummond. Cleveland Cavaliers’ center Andre Drummond is someone with a really different way of playing than what the Lakers go for.

Even if he is an expensive choice (he is also looking at a max contract), he is one of the best rebounders and rim protectors in the league.He has recently started shooting the three, even if it is at a low volume (1.8 attempts per game) and at a modest rate (28.6% from the arc).

He doesn’t seem the type of spacer outer that he needs to be to play alongside LeBron James. Regardless of the differences, Drummond can be a good addition to the roster in the absence of Anthony Davis.