Anthony Davis’ stellar performances have been pivotal, prompting surprising words from head coach JJ Redick. The Los Angeles Lakers have proven themselves as legitimate contenders for an NBA playoff spot,

Anthony Davis has been playing some of his best basketball of the 2024-25 season as of late, but he might have outdone himself after dominating in the Los Angeles Lakers’ win against the Charlotte Hornets.

Redick has challenged the Lakers ever since he took the job as head coach. There's been a level of accountability, transparency, and consistency throughout this season. So far, that method has paid off. They sit at the No. 6 seed right now with a 21-17 record. Los Angeles has had some bumps in the road, as all teams do.

The Lakers currently hold the 5th seed in the West. Defensive specialist Jared Vanderbilt is back in the lineup, while the team has also received help on both ends of the floor and undeniable energy from Dorian Finney-Smith, who they acquired in a recent deal with the Brooklyn Nets.

For the last few seasons, the Lakers have said that in order for them to be at their best, they have to work through Davis. It was true when they won the championship in 2020 and was proven even more when injuries plagued Davis for three seasons and the team faltered greatly because of it.

Davis hasn't just given the front office a directionless mandate to improve the team — he has ideas on how it should be done, namely that the Lakers trade for a center so that he can slide to the 4, which he has long stated is his preferred position. Rob Pelinka, I hope you're listening.

Anthony Davis scores 21 points in the first quarter and helps the Lakers survive a late surge by the Charlotte Hornets in the Lakers' 112-107 victory.

By not giving him what he wants, the Lakers risk alienating Davis and thus jeopardizing their future stability.