Lakers News: Anthony Davis Insisted Rob Pelinka Get Frontcourt Help This Summer

Since being acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019, Los Angeles Lakers star big man Anthony Davis has been very vocal about his disdain for playing the center position. He does it willingly in the postseason, but he likes to save his body throughout the year.

And it seems that this past offseason, Davis went ahead and asked the Lakers to make sure that he got some length around him to make sure it didn't happen often. The Lakers obliged, signing centers Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes to contracts.

"Without Davis insisting that vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka and the Lakers' front office find more post players to surround him as he plays out the $186 million contract extension he signed this summer, Wood and Hayes might not be in L.A."

Per Dave McMenamin of ESPN

Having the other centers around gives Davis a chance to play more forward, and it gives LA more length as well. But the key for the Lakers is how Davis helps get the other bigs built into the system.

Davis spoke about helping get players integrated into the LA lineup and being the leader that the Lakers need him to be. Especially this season with co-star LeBron James being in his 21st NBA season, Davis needs to step it up.

"I just try to be that leader," Davis told ESPN. "Guys come over, sometimes we watch football ... bring the family, whatever. ... Just trying to do things like that just to show to the guys, like, 'I'm here for y'all. Whatever y'all need. My house is always open.'

Per Dave McMenamin of ESPN

So far, Davis has been as good as advertised for the Lakers, and it has helped them stay afloat during the early season struggles.

LA head coach Darvin Ham explained what Davis brings to the table, and why he is the focal point for this Lakers team on both sides of the ball.

"His versatility on both sides of the ball will definitely be explored," Ham said. "There'll be times where he's like a [point guard] because he is initiating our offense from the trail position. We got sets where he's the initiator with the ball in his hand."

Per Darvin Ham via ESPN.com

Getting Davis some help this past offseason was a big part of how the roster was constructed. But keeping it that way will depend on how the guys all fit together. So far, both Hayes and especially Wood are fitting in well alongside Davis.

For the Lakers to reach their ultimate goals, things will need to stay that way. LA can use this size to their advantage, and bully opponents into the ground as they chase another championship this season.

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