Will the Lakers consider trading LeBron James or Anthony Davis?

Will the Lakers consider trading LeBron James or Anthony Davis?

Over the past few years, a seemingly growing number of Los Angeles Lakers fans have called for the franchise to trade LeBron James and Anthony Davis to start over. James, they argue, is old and has a firm grip on the franchise, and Davis is soft, lazy and injury-prone. Such fans point to the fact that the team has only advanced past the first round of the playoffs twice in the five previous seasons, with the duo as evidence that this partnership just isn’t that strong.

But you can also look at things differently. Despite a 14-12 record, the Lakers just defeated the formerly red-hot and feisty Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, and perhaps they just need a few more pieces and a reduction in James’ workload to do some real damage in the playoffs.

Trade talks are starting to heat up and all sorts of rumors are circulating. But according to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, neither James nor Davis will be in those talks.

About The Athletic:

“Two players who almost certainly won’t be traded unless they move out of Los Angeles are Davis ($43.2 million) and James ($48.7 million),” Buha wrote.

“Despite recent calls from some media and fans to blow up the roster, the Lakers are not currently considering trading either superstar, according to team and league sources. They want to strengthen their supporting cast and continue to build around Davis and James.”

Despite a recent difficult shooting spell and a foot injury, James still appears to be playing at a high level, even if his engine may not be producing as much horsepower. Davis continues to be absolutely dominant and is in the midst of his best season ever.

The Lakers are reportedly looking for a strong, defensive-minded center, an upgrade at point guard and possibly a 3-and-D wing. Securing such upgrades will be much easier said than done, especially given their limited trade capital and reluctance to let go of starting player Austin Reaves.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Will the Lakers consider trading LeBron James or Anthony Davis?

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