The Los Angeles Lakers may be taking notes as Anthony Davis shines in the power forward role for Team USA. With Davis performing at a high level, the Lakers could be motivated to find a full-time center to keep him at the four position moving forward.
Davis has previously stated his preference for playing the power forward position, but the Lakers have yet to secure a suitable center to facilitate this. Paul Kasabian of Bleacher Report has suggested a potential solution: trading for Wendell Carter Jr. of the Orlando Magic.
“The Lakers currently lack a solid backup center option. Carter, who is under contract for two more seasons with a $50 million deal, could be a perfect fit,” Kasabian wrote on July 16. “Last season, Carter averaged 11.0 points on 52.5% shooting and 6.9 rebounds as a starter for the Magic.”
Kasabian also noted that acquiring Carter might mean losing Russell Westbrook, who could be leaving as a free agent next offseason. However, Carter’s addition could address the Lakers’ need for frontcourt depth.
Lakers Keeping an Eye on Carter
With the Lakers yet to make significant moves in free agency and constrained by limited spending power, trades appear to be their primary route for roster improvement this offseason.
According to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, an NBA executive revealed that the Lakers are “monitoring” Carter, but they are not alone in their interest.
“Carter is relatively young and might be undervalued due to past injury concerns,” the executive said on July 10. “His contract fits well, and he’s on their radar, but many teams are watching him.”
Entering the third year of his four-year, $50 million contract, Carter’s salary would be manageable for the Lakers. The challenge would be determining what the Orlando Magic might seek in return.
Carter’s Fit with the Lakers
Acquiring Carter wouldn’t just address the backup center position; he could potentially start, allowing Davis to move to power forward. This adjustment could help Davis focus on his strengths and maintain his health.
With both Davis, an elite defender, and Carter, who is also solid defensively, the Lakers could create one of the strongest frontcourt defenses in the league.
Additionally, Carter’s offensive capabilities could benefit the Lakers. Last season, he averaged 11.0 points and shot 37.4% from three-point range on 3.1 attempts per game. Adding a three-point shooting center could enhance the Lakers’ offense, especially after they ranked among the lowest in three-point attempts last season.
As the Lakers’ quiet offseason continues to raise concerns, a trade for Carter could address several of their issues and alleviate some of the growing doubts surrounding the team.
