Former Lakers forward identifies 'hard-to-replicate' skillset of LeBron James, gravitates towards Steph Curry's 'tangible' skills
It's obvious that Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors stars Steph Curry and LeBron James possess very different skillsets.
While both players are generational talents, LeBron James possesses more intangible traits, making it harder for players to replicate his brand of basketball. Steph Curry may not be 6'9, 260 pounds with a 40-inch vertical, but he is an all-time great shooter, something NBA-caliber players can work hard to develop.
Former Lakers forward Nigel Hayes-Davis used this thought process in his reasoning for gravitating more toward Curry rather than James in his time with Team USA.
"[Steph Curry] has and does things that I feel are more tangible for me to pick up because [LeBron James] is 6'9, one-of-one player of all time," Hayes-Davis stated in an interview with SwishCulture. "It's really hard to replicate that."
Hayes-Davis last played in the NBA in the 2017-18 season, suiting up for the Lakers, Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings. He also played for the United States Select Team, where he was able to learn from Curry.
LeBron James reportedly wants Lakers to trade for veteran big man
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, front-court depth remains a question mark for the LA Lakers.
In an episode of his podcast, Lakers insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported that LeBron James has a veteran center on his wishlist of trade candidates.
"As for how the Lakers feel, there was some interest," Buha stated (38:33 mark). "He was on LeBron's list so I think the Lakers will probably revisit that."
The Lakers have been linked to Jonas Valanciunas numerous times during James' time with the team, most recently ahead of free agency. Valanciunas was recently moved to the Washington Wizards as a piece of a sign-and-trade, signing a three-year, $30 million deal.
Adding Valanciunas would allow Anthony Davis to move to his natural position at power forward. The Lakers could also see increased rebounding numbers after finishing 21st in rebounds in 2023-24.
Valanciunas averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds for the New Orleans Pelicans last season, starting in all 82 games.
The Lakers have enticing trade pieces to offer Washington, whether it be players or draft picks. D'Angelo Russell was frequently involved in trade rumors throughout the offseason and could be on the move as the odd man out in the Lakers backcourt.