3 reasons why Lakers must go all in on LeBron James-Anthony Davis era one last time

With less than two weeks before the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline, the LA Lakers face extensive internal and external pressure to make a substantial deal.

The franchise's superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis has petitioned for it to add talent over the past week, aligning with fans' pleas. Meanwhile, Davis expressed a desire to return to playing power forward alongside a capable center.

While LA has the means to upgrade its roster, it has reportedly been hesitant to go all in on its veteran core. Per ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst's Friday report, "the Lakers' recent discussions with teams show little sign of aggression." They added that the organization has shown "no indication" it is willing to part with its future first-round draft picks.

Nevertheless, LA still has several reasons to consider adding another starting-caliber player or two alongside James and Davis.

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3 reasons Lakers should bolster LeBron James and Anthony Davis-led core before trade deadline

#3 LA is trending upward in crowded Western Conference

While the Lakers have had an up-and-down campaign, they are trending upward entering the trade deadline, winning five of their last six contests. That includes Thursday's 117-96 blowout home victory over the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics.

As a result, they sit fifth in the congested Western Conference standings (25-18), just four and a half games behind the second-seeded Houston Rockets (30-14). Thus, their recent success could increase their front office's confidence in their title-contending prospects.

LA would likely face a tough task in a playoff series against any of the West's premier teams. However, if it goes on a run over the season's second half, it may be able to avoid doing so until at least the postseason's second round.

A midseason trade could help the team secure better seeding while eluding the grueling play-in tournament.

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#2 Lakers lack big man depth

As Anthony Davis noted in Thursday's interview with ESPN's Shams Charania, LA could use center depth. The squad has gotten little production out of reserves Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko, who have served as low-end lob threats and rim protectors.

Meanwhile, offensive-minded big man Christian Wood has yet to suit up this season as he recovers from offseason left knee surgery.

Despite their recent improvement, the Lakers rank 28th in rebounds (41.3) and 18th in blocks per game (4.9), with Davis doing most of the heavy lifting. So, a trade for a defensive-oriented center could alleviate pressure on the nine-time All-Star while boosting LA's 22nd-ranked defensive rating (114.6).

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#1 LeBron James may be in his final year as top-tier player

Lastly, perhaps the most obvious reason LA should be active at the trade deadline is LeBron James' age. While the 40-year-old earned his record-extending 21st All-Star selection last week, this could be his final season as an elite player.

The Lakers may not be wise to mortgage their entire future on building around an aging superstar. Nevertheless, they should try to give the four-time MVP at least one last chance to contend for his fifth championship via trade reinforcements.

If not, the organization may be better off pivoting by selling high on James and kickstarting a retooling phase.

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