Lakers finally looking to honor longstanding Anthony Davis request

The Los Angeles Lakers have committed to a vision that will see Anthony Davis lead the franchise through, at least, the next three seasons. Davis signed a three-year extension that will kick in ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, with a player option for 2027-28.

In an effort to appease their franchise player, it appears the Lakers are looking for ways to honor one of his most consistent requests: More time at power forward.

Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported in 2023 that Davis requested more time at the 4-spot. Unfortunately for the five-time All-NBA honoree, he spent 97 percent of his minutes at center during the 2023-24 season.

According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Lakers are expected to make a more concerted effort to improve at the center position and thus honor Davis' request this offseason.

"The Lakers need to decide on a head coach for next season. But regardless of who is coaching Los Angeles next season, the Lakers are monitoring their offseason options at center closely, per people with knowledge of the situation."

This is likely to appeal to Davis, who spent the 2024-25 season in a role that saw him play every angle of the court on the defensive end of the floor.

In 2023-24, no center contested more three-point field goals than Davis. Only 10 players at any position did so. That could be understandable for a power forward with a center operating alongside them, but it was an example of how thin Davis was often stretched on defense.

He managed to thrive as an individual, but his need to cover so much ground resulted in the Lakers' defense being exploited to the tune of a No. 17 ranking in defensive rating.

By prioritizing the acquisition of a center, the Lakers seem committed to helping alleviate some of that pressure. That could help Los Angeles address the fact that it was 21st in points allowed in the paint and 27th in second chance points allowed.

On the opposite end of the floor, it ranked dead last in second-chance points scored—a stunning fact considering Davis ranked No. 1 in the NBA in that very statistic individually.

The NBA Draft will provide the Lakers with options at center, including potentially available prospects such as Zach Edey and Kel'el Ware. In free agency, Nic Claxton and Isaiah Hartenstein highlight a solid list of available options.

With the possibility of making a trade also on the table, the Lakers will have an opportunity to give Davis the interior support he's long requested. Per Begley's report, the wheels are in motion.