'Gotta Get a 5-Man': Gilbert Arenas Highlights Lakers’ Most Conspicuous Weakness Following D’Lo Trade

A closer look at the Lakers’ roster reveals a glaring weakness at center, which could be crucial in a potential playoff series.

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Gilbert Arenas in Frame

Gilbert Arenas in Frame

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Lakers added Finney-Smith and Milton in the roster.

D'Angelo Russell has been traded to the Nets.

While the additions of Finney-Smith and Milton bolster the Lakers’ roster, the team’s bottom line remains a topic of discussion. The Lakers’ trade deal has been called into question, as some believe the group failed to address its most perceptible weakness. A closer look at the Lakers' roster shows that despite signing Finney-Smith and Milton, the team's core needs remain unmet.

Lakers Need to Address the Conspicuous Weakness

A closer look at the Lakers’ roster reveals a glaring weakness at center, which could be crucial in a potential playoff series against teams with strong frontcourt depth like the Nuggets. The Lakers inability to provide adequate support for Anthony Davis at center is raising concerns about both their roster construction and playoff preparation.

Kenyon Martin succinctly emphasized the Lakers' need for a dominant center, stressing the team's reliance on Anthony Davis and a lack of depth to compete with top teams like the Denver Nuggets. Gilbert Arenas suggested the Lakers should return to a 2020 championship strategy, Use Anthony Davis at the power forward position and get a reliable center.

Arenas pointed to Pistons great Ben Wallace as an example of what a great defensive player could do when he had a worthy running mate next to him. Ben Wallace is a great defender by himself, but what did he look like with Rasheed Wallace next to him? Now he’s golden.” Davis could have a similar impact if the Lakers acquire another center.

Lakers Carry The Momentum

The Los Angeles Lakers are now 18-13 and on the right track. Having won five of their last six games, harbouring a dominant big man could be crucial to their status as legitimate contenders. With the trade deadline five weeks away, General Manager Rob Pelinka has a window of opportunity to bolster the Lakers' roster, particularly in the frontcourt, to alleviate pressure on Anthony Davis.

Fresh off a convincing win over the Kings, LA Lakers will take on the Cleaveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. The match will be held at the Crypto.com Arna.

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