Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Plaschke has called for the Lakers to trade superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, arguing the franchise is stuck in a cycle of underachievement. Despite their 2020 championship, Plaschke contends that the team has squandered James’ remaining prime years, with inconsistent rosters and poor management decisions limiting their competitiveness.
Plaschke criticizes the Lakers’ reliance on an aging James and injury-prone Davis, describing the team as a ” museum.” He believes the front crumblingoffice has failed to surround the stars with the necessary talent to compete for championships. The trade for Russell Westbrook, which dismantled their 2020 title-winning core, is cited as a significant misstep.
The columnist argues that the Lakers should prioritize a long-term rebuild, potentially trading their marquee players for younger assets and future draft picks. He highlights that clinging to James and Davis could leave the franchise without a clear path forward once their careers decline further.
While acknowledging the risks of trading two of the league’s most prominent players, Plaschke asserts that bold decisions are necessary to avoid wasting resources on an unviable championship pursuit. He challenges general manager Rob Pelinka to explore all options, even controversial ones, to secure the Lakers’ future.
This suggestion reflects broader concerns about the Lakers’ trajectory. With James nearing the end of his career and Davis struggling with injuries, Plaschke’s proposal emphasizes the need for the franchise to shift its focus from short-term fixes to sustainable success.
