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3 stars the Lakers should target to build around Anthony Davis

By Caleb Crowley

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 04: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans' shot is blocked by Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 04, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 04: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans' shot is blocked by Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 04, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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After four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis is a one-time NBA Champion and constantly one of the Association’s best big men. According to Lakers Nation, the Brow is likely to a ink an extension with the purple and gold in the coming weeks.

Davis is eligible for up to $167.6 million over three years after the completion of his two remaining years. This would mean that over the next five seasons, Anthony Davis would earn a total of $251.4 million.

An extension almost guarantees Davis will stay with Los Angeles after LeBron James’ eventual retirement.

In the next era of LA, Anthony Davis will be the centerpiece. Rather than trading for AD to put him next to LeBron, the Lakers will be searching for players to complement the skillset of Davis.

Looking at the current Lakers roster, they have a number of talented depth players on multi-year deals. Alongside Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura on their new deals, Los Angeles still has Max Christie and signed Miami’s Gabe Vincent. At 27 years old, Vincent is the oldest of these four Lakers.

The Lakers have their role player depth set for the future, but none of them are solidified stars like James has been in LA. Building around Anthony Davis means getting him a partner in crime. A star-level player he can depend on under the brightest lights. We saw the apex of Davis and James in the 2020 NBA Playoffs, with both players sharing the spotlight as they fought to Los Angeles’ 17th Finals banner.

Additionally, Austin Reaves just signed a highly team-friendly contract with the Lakers this offseason after raising his game from 7.3 points and 1.8 assists last season to 13 points and 3.4 assists per game on 39.8 percent 3-point shooting, per ESPN.

Hachimura’s deal is also team-friendly, giving Davis more post talent he can trust on his side.

With a myriad of cheap deals, this gives the Lakers a chance to spend a large sum of money on Davis’ next running mate. These three star players are the perfect fit for Davis and the Lakers after LeBron James leaves.

The Lakers should bring back Brandon Ingram

Imagine a world in which Brandon Ingram was not a part of the 2019 Anthony Davis trade. Shortly after being shipped to NOLA, Ingram blossomed into a star-level forward and has never looked back.

Bringing Ingram back to Los Angeles would be a great move by the Lakers.

Though the Pelicans have Zion Williamson on the roster, both Williamson’s and Ingram’s inconsistent health have greatly restricted New Orleans’ success. Even with these hurdles, the Pelicans have reached the Playoffs and Play-In Tournament, often with Ingram as the top scoring threat.

The former Laker has averaged 23.7 points on 46.7 percent on the field in his last four seasons. From the 3-point line, Ingram has hit 37.5 percent of his 5.2 attempts per game in that timeframe. Putting an offensive threat such as Ingram next to Anthony Davis bolsters Los Angeles’ strength for the future.

Defensively, Ingram has put his size and athleticism to use, showing determination every night out. Last season, Ingram had a 114 defensive rating per 100 possessions. The average across the NBA is 110, making Ingram a relatively steady and trustworthy defensive forward. (For reference, Anthony Davis had a 108 defensive rating last year).

At 25 years old, Ingram has not yet entered his prime years, and he is set to be an unrestricted free agent in the 2025 free agency class. By then, the Lakers will be able to maneuver their salary cap to offer Ingram a maximum deal just as the 1x All-Star is entering his prime.

Ever since his departure, there has always been a sense of what could have been with Ingram and Anthony Davis together. Should New Orleans continue to fail to find success, a homecoming may be in order for BI.

If Ingram is not an option, another sudden breakout star forward could be on the Lakers’ wish list.

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