Lakers Rumors: LA 'Actively' Looking for Big Man Ahead of 2025 Trade Deadline

Don't be surprised if the Los Angeles Lakers are active ahead of February's trade deadline this season, with the center position a priority for the franchise.

"They have said this for a while, and I've reported this—they are actively looking for a big man to add to that lineup," ESPN's Shams Charania reported during The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday. "Who could that be? But they have assets to play with, they have contracts to play with."

An upgrade at center for the Lakers would allow the Lakers to play Anthony Davis at the 4 with more regularity during the regular season, saving him some of the wear and tear that accumulates while battling down on the block at the 5.

At the moment, the team's options for such a setup are Jaxson Hayes and second-year player Christian Koloko. Neither is the short-term answer, and Davis has started the majority of the season as the team's center.

He's been fantastic, averaging 31.1 points, 11.2 rebounds and two blocks per game while shooting 42.9 percent from three. And come the playoffs, the Lakers will likely play smaller lineups with Davis at the center to maximize floor-spacing and their offensive upside.

But having a solid, veteran center to help them get through the rigors of the regular season would be a help.

Charania noted that he didn't know if the Lakers have "fully targeted a name yet" at center to seek in a potential trade. More options will likely arise as the trade deadline approaches.

In the meantime, the Lakers have started 9-4 in J.J. Redick's first season at head coach, a promising opening act for a team that has needed the Play-In Tournament to reach the postseason in each of the past two years.

The Lakers have opened the season in promising fashion. But don't be surprised if more help eventually comes in the form of a veteran center.