What The Lakers Really Need

Rumors have swirled about Anthony Davis joining LeBron James in Los Angeles. While "The Brow"  would be a nice addition, it wouldn't solve the Lakers' problems. Yes, the Lakers would get a big man who would put 40 points up in a game. However, Davis won't solve the Lakers' problems.

The major problem swirling around the Lakers is the bench. There are players such as Tyson Chandler, who add size and some defensive prowess. However, there isn't much in the line of scoring for the Lakers. Compared to the Lakers' crosstown rival, the Clippers, who have Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell coming off a deep bench, the Lakers lack this. Their best bench scorer is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who's averaging 9.1 PPG. Teams like Boston (Marcus Morris) and Houston (Eric Gordon) have reliable bench players that can come in and keep the momentum going. Technically, the Lakers have that player in Chandler, who's stepped in nicely. However, the lack of scoring depth is hurting the Lakers. Another problem plaguing the Lakers is defense; the Lakers are allowing 111.7 PPG (22nd in the NBA) and are allowing three-pointers at a rate of .352 (15th in the NBA).

Trading some bench players for Davis would be akin to cutting off your nose to spite your face. You would probably give up Brandon Ingram, who's a scorer that the Lakers need, along with whatever bench players the Lakers have along with a pick or even two. Thus, this is the reason why Boston is a more viable trade partner. They have draft picks and can move Jaylen Brown as well. The Lakers will probably have to wait and see about Davis's 2020 option, but they'll also have to worry about Davis's potential supermax extension. 

Will the Lakers add a big name to their team during LeBron's tenure with the Lakers? It seems likely. This is in spite of the rumors that not many players want to deal with LeBron dictating things in Los Angeles. Still, the opportunity to play for the purple and gold is too good to pass up. It looks like Magic Johnson and company will have to pull out all the stops to get LeBron some extra help.