Will the Lakers consider trading LeBron James or Anthony Davis?

On By Littum

Over the past few years, an apparently increasing number Los Angeles Lakers fans have called for the franchise to trade LeBron James and Anthony Davis to start over. James, they argue, is old and has an iron grip on the franchise, and Davis is soft, lazy and injury-prone. Such fans point to the fact that the team has advanced past the first round of the playoffs just twice in five previous seasons with the duo as evidence that this partnership just isn’t that potent.

But there is another way of looking at things. The Lakers, despite a 14-12 record, just defeated the formerly red-hot and hot Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, and maybe they just need a few more plays and a reduction in James’ workload to do some real damage in the playoffs .

Trade negotiations are starting to heat up and all sorts of rumors are flying around. But according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, none of those conversations will include James or Davis.

Via Athletics:

“Two players who almost certainly won’t be traded, barring them from asking out of Los Angeles, are Davis ($43.2 million) and James ($48.7 million),” Buha wrote.

“Despite the recent surge by certain media and fans to blow up the roster, the Lakers are not currently considering trading any of the superstars, according to team and league sources. They want to strengthen their supporting cast and continue to build around Davis and James.”

Despite a rough shooting streak recently and a foot ailment, James still appears to be playing at a high level, though his engine may not be producing as much horsepower anymore. Davis continues to be absolutely dominant and in the midst of his best season ever.

The Lakers are reportedly looking for a strong, defensive-minded center, an upgrade at point guard and possibly a 3-and-D wing. Securing such upgrades will be much easier said than done, especially given their limited trade capital and reluctance to let go of starting guard Austin Reaves.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Will the Lakers consider trading LeBron James or Anthony Davis?