LA Lakers Trade Rumors: LeBron James and Co. eye $10,317,802 center to complement Anthony Davis and strengthen big-man depth
The Lakers have been actively searching for a reliable center to complement Anthony Davis and strengthen their frontcourt depth. GM Rob Pelinka has reportedly engaged in discussions with multiple teams as the franchise looks to add key pieces and solidify their roster around LeBron James and Davis, enhancing their chances of contending for a championship.
JJ Redick’s squad has been linked to several notable centers, including Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards and Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers. However, one name that has consistently surfaced is Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.
While the Lakers and Pelinka have yet to assemble a trade package compelling enough to acquire these players, another big man has recently emerged as a potential target for the Purple and Gold.
Senior Lakers insider Anthony F. Irwin has reported that GM Rob Pelinka has been working to bring Day'Ron Sharpe to Los Angeles. According to Irwin, the Lakers initially aimed to include Sharpe in the trade for Dorian Finney-Smith but were unable to finalize the deal as the Brooklyn Nets demanded additional draft compensation.
Instead, the Lakers ended up acquiring Shake Milton in the trade. However, Irwin noted that Pelinka is likely to re-engage in discussions with Nets GM Sean Marks to pursue Sharpe, who is on a four-year, $10,317,802 contract, ahead of the Feb. 7 trade deadline.
Day'Ron Sharpe in 2024-25 NBA season
Day'Ron Sharpe is currently in his fourth NBA season, all with the Brooklyn Nets. While the former North Carolina standout doesn’t typically log heavy minutes, he has proven to be a reliable contributor in a reserve role, making him a potential fit as a complementary piece alongside Anthony Davis.
The 29th pick in his draft class isn’t primarily known for scoring or shot-blocking but is effective on the glass. At 6-foot-9 and 265 pounds, Sharpe possesses the physical tools to hold his own against some of the league’s most dominant centers.
This season, Sharpe is posting career-high averages of 7.3 points per game on 44.7% shooting from the field. While not a prolific 3-point shooter, averaging just 1.4 attempts per game, he is contributing 6.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.