Lakers need someone like D aaron Fox according to Stephen A smith! Lakers need a center not a point guard

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, are in a critical period of roster evaluation and strategy development. With a roster that boasts LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and a variety of supporting players, the Lakers are always in pursuit of that elusive perfect formula to contend for championships. The team has been making strides in recent years, but as the season progresses, questions persist about what kind of roster moves they should make to solidify their position in the Western Conference and enhance their championship hopes.

Recently, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith—one of the most prominent and vocal NBA analysts—raised eyebrows by suggesting that the Lakers should consider acquiring a player like Sacramento Kings’ point guard, De’Aaron Fox. According to Smith, the Lakers need a player with Fox’s speed, scoring ability, and leadership qualities to help elevate their game.

While this opinion has garnered significant attention, it also raises important questions: Should the Lakers be targeting a point guard like Fox, or is their most pressing need a different position altogether? Specifically, given the Lakers’ roster and current needs, would they be better off pursuing a center rather than a point guard?

Stephen A. Smith’s Argument: The Case for De’Aaron Fox

Stephen A. Smith’s analysis comes from a place of understanding the Lakers’ need for more playmaking and leadership on the court. For years, the Lakers have relied on LeBron James as the primary playmaker, using his court vision and basketball IQ to orchestrate the offense. While LeBron has delivered time and time again, he can’t be expected to shoulder the entire load for 82 regular season games and into the playoffs. His age, though he continues to play at a high level, means that the team needs someone to help alleviate that burden, especially in high-pressure moments.

De’Aaron Fox, the dynamic point guard for the Sacramento Kings, has been praised for his elite speed, ball-handling, and ability to score in a variety of ways. His agility allows him to get to the rim with ease, and his shooting has improved year-over-year, making him an increasingly versatile offensive weapon. As a point guard, Fox excels at creating opportunities not only for himself but also for his teammates, which could add a dimension to the Lakers’ offense that is currently lacking.

In addition to his offensive prowess, Fox’s leadership qualities and ability to control the pace of the game would be valuable assets for the Lakers. His youth and hunger for success could inject some much-needed energy into the team. The idea is that Fox could relieve LeBron of some of the ball-handling duties, allowing the Lakers’ superstar to focus on scoring and his other responsibilities. Fox could also give the Lakers an added dimension in transition, where he thrives with his ability to push the pace and attack the rim.

Why a Point Guard Like Fox May Not Be the Right Fit for the Lakers

While Stephen A. Smith’s argument has merit, especially given Fox’s talent and his potential to complement LeBron James, the Lakers’ most pressing need at this juncture may not be another point guard. Instead, their biggest hole on the roster could be at the center position.

First, let’s evaluate the Lakers’ current backcourt and playmaking options. LeBron James, though not a traditional point guard, has been the Lakers’ primary playmaker for years. He is one of the best passers in NBA history, and his ability to run an offense is unparalleled. While LeBron’s age means he can’t handle all the playmaking duties every night, the Lakers already have enough ball-handling with LeBron and D’Angelo Russell, who has also proven to be a capable playmaker. The team also has other players who can handle the ball and create shots, including Austin Reaves and even the versatile Rui Hachimura.

Given that the Lakers have several players who can fill the playmaking role, it’s fair to question whether adding another point guard like Fox is necessary. While Fox’s speed and scoring ability are undeniable, the Lakers already have a solid foundation at guard with players like Russell, Reaves, and even Schroder (if he’s still with the team). Adding a point guard may not be as crucial as shoring up other areas of the roster.

The Lakers’ True Need: A Dominant Center

If the Lakers don’t need a point guard, what do they truly need to address in order to improve their chances of contending for a title? The answer lies in their frontcourt, specifically at the center position.

Anthony Davis, though one of the best big men in the game, is often seen as a versatile player who can play both the power forward and center spots. The issue arises when Davis is forced to play center for extended periods of time. While he is more than capable of playing center, it’s not his ideal position. Davis is at his best when he is free to operate as a mobile power forward, capable of using his athleticism and skill set to stretch the floor, guard multiple positions, and serve as a shot blocker.

The Lakers would be better served by acquiring a traditional center who can provide a strong presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively. A dominant center would allow Davis to return to his natural position at power forward, where he can focus on scoring, rebounding, and providing elite defense. Additionally, a center would give the Lakers more depth and flexibility in the frontcourt, which is crucial for the long grind of an 82-game regular season.

The Lakers’ current center rotation has been a point of concern for the team. While players like Thomas Bryant, Wenyen Gabriel, and Damian Jones have shown flashes of potential, none of them have the consistent dominance that the Lakers need in the middle. This has been especially apparent during the team’s playoff runs, where the lack of a reliable center has been exposed. In the modern NBA, centers still play a crucial role in protecting the rim, securing rebounds, and providing interior scoring. A center could also serve as a physical presence to match up against the likes of Nikola Jokic, Deandre Ayton, and other dominant big men in the Western Conference.

The Lakers’ need for a traditional center is more pressing than their need for a point guard. While De’Aaron Fox would certainly be an exciting addition to the team, a center would provide much more value in terms of improving the Lakers’ overall roster construction and giving them the necessary tools to compete with the best teams in the West.

The Center Position and the Lakers’ Championship Window

For the Lakers, the window to win another championship with LeBron James is rapidly closing. The team needs to surround its superstar with the best possible pieces in order to make the most of the remaining years of his prime. While LeBron remains a top-tier player, he cannot carry the team alone, and the Lakers need a roster that can complement his skills.

A dominant center, alongside Anthony Davis, would provide the Lakers with a one-two punch in the frontcourt that could match up with the best teams in the league. The center would provide much-needed rim protection, rebounding, and scoring in the paint, while Davis could focus on his strengths as a versatile forward. This kind of frontcourt pairing would create a defensive juggernaut, making it difficult for opposing teams to score in the paint. Additionally, with LeBron leading the offense and multiple ball-handlers on the roster, the Lakers would have the flexibility to run a dynamic offense that could keep opponents on their toes.

In a playoff series, the ability to control the paint is crucial. A strong center would help the Lakers not only protect the rim but also finish plays in the post. This is especially important when facing teams with dominant bigs, such as the Denver Nuggets or the Memphis Grizzlies. With a reliable center, the Lakers would be better equipped to handle these matchups and increase their chances of making a deep playoff run.