Lakers Urged to Trade for NBA’s Top Playmaker to Pair With Anthony Davis

Lakers Urged to Trade for NBA’s Top Playmaker to Pair With Anthony Davis

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, have once again found themselves under the spotlight as they look to build a championship-contending roster for the 2024 season. The Lakers’ ambitions are fueled by one of the most dominant forces in basketball today, Anthony Davis, whose remarkable two-way play is central to their plans. However, despite Davis’ brilliance on both ends of the court, there is a noticeable gap that the team has yet to address—finding a playmaker who can elevate the offense and make the game easier for Davis, especially in the postseason.

While LeBron James has been the Lakers’ primary playmaker for several seasons, the 39-year-old superstar is no longer in his prime, and the need for a younger, dynamic point guard has never been clearer. As the Lakers inch closer to the trade deadline, analysts and former players are urging the franchise to make a bold move and acquire a top-tier playmaker to pair with Davis.

The Case for a Top Playmaker

Anthony Davis, though an outstanding player in his own right, often finds himself in situations where his impact can be limited by a lack of consistent offensive facilitation. While Davis has the ability to create his own shot, he thrives most when paired with a facilitator who can get him in rhythm, particularly in pick-and-roll situations or by setting him up for easy dunks and mid-range jumpers. Over the years, many of Davis’ most productive seasons have come when he has had a high-level point guard or playmaker alongside him—think of his time with Jrue Holiday in New Orleans and, more recently, LeBron James in Los Angeles.

With LeBron showing signs of age and physical wear, the Lakers need a new leader in the backcourt to orchestrate their offense. Davis needs someone who can effectively run the pick-and-roll, penetrate the defense, and create easy scoring opportunities, not just for himself but for others as well. In essence, the Lakers need a player who can take over the reins of offense when LeBron isn’t on the floor, and a player who can keep the flow and ball movement efficient even when LeBron is.

This is why the call to trade for a top playmaker is becoming more urgent with each passing game. A floor general capable of getting Davis the ball in his sweet spots and running a fast-paced offense could unlock new dimensions of Davis’ game, especially in clutch moments during the playoffs.

Potential Trade Targets: The Point Guards Who Could Help

So, who could the Lakers target? There are several potential candidates across the league who would be a perfect fit next to Davis, bringing the exact kind of playmaking ability the Lakers need.

1. Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics)
Jrue Holiday has long been regarded as one of the most well-rounded point guards in the NBA, combining elite defense with strong playmaking and the ability to score efficiently. The Lakers have already seen the value of Holiday’s leadership during his time in New Orleans when he paired with Davis. A return of this duo could be a perfect remedy for what ails the Lakers, as Holiday could be the defensive stopper and playmaking point guard they desperately need. His ability to run the offense, while still providing elite defense, would allow Davis to focus on scoring and defense.

2. Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)
Trae Young may be a more controversial trade target, but his offensive brilliance could complement Davis perfectly. Known for his deep shooting range and elite playmaking, Young could create open looks for Davis in pick-and-roll situations and space the floor with his shooting. Despite his defensive shortcomings, Young has the skillset to help the Lakers thrive on offense, especially with Davis anchoring the defense. His arrival would likely necessitate a big package from the Lakers, but the return on such an investment could be significant.

3. Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as one of the league’s brightest young stars, a point guard with exceptional vision and passing ability. Haliburton is one of the best playmakers in the league, with an ability to orchestrate offenses and create easy opportunities for his teammates. His smooth, unselfish style of play could mesh seamlessly with Davis, allowing the big man to get easy looks in transition and in the halfcourt. His shooting range is also a bonus, as he could stretch the floor to open up more lanes for Davis.

4. Dejounte Murray (Atlanta Hawks)
Another intriguing option from Atlanta is Dejounte Murray. Known for his defensive prowess and emerging offensive game, Murray is a dynamic guard who excels at pushing the pace and facilitating offense. While not the most prolific shooter, his ability to drive and dish, combined with his strong defense, makes him a potential asset for the Lakers. Murray’s playmaking would take some of the pressure off LeBron and provide the Lakers with another reliable ball-handler.

 

Why the Lakers Need to Act Now

The urgency for the Lakers to act is driven by the fact that the Western Conference is stacked with competition, and time is ticking for LeBron and Davis to make another championship run. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors are all making moves to strengthen their rosters, and the Lakers must be proactive if they want to stay in the hunt for an NBA title.

Moreover, Davis’ window as a dominant force in the league is also finite. While still in his prime, his injury history is a concern, and the Lakers cannot afford to waste the remaining years of Davis’ peak without fully surrounding him with the necessary talent to win titles. Trading for a top-tier point guard could provide the necessary support to maximize Davis’ potential, ensuring that he can continue to play at an elite level, even if LeBron takes a step back in terms of minutes or physical toll.

Conclusion

As the Lakers aim to contend for another championship, the addition of a top playmaker to pair with Anthony Davis is a necessary move to keep them in the upper echelon of the NBA. With LeBron James aging and the need for fresh playmaking talent, acquiring a dynamic point guard could be the missing piece for this Lakers team to challenge for a title once again. Whether it’s Jrue Holiday’s defensive prowess, Trae Young’s offensive fireworks, or Tyrese Haliburton’s pure playmaking ability, the Lakers must act quickly to ensure they give Davis the supporting cast he needs for another deep playoff run. The window is closing, and the time for action is now.