LeBron James' callback to Anthony Davis comment highlights Lakers' dire need for center in 2025 offseason

The Lakers' most glaring issue unsurprisingly led to their downfall in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

In the lead-up to the postseason, most had an inkling that Los Angeles' lack of depth at the center position would be something of an issue. The issue reared its ugly head during the Timberwolves' 4-1 series victory over the Lakers, leaving the franchise with big questions to answer moving forward.

From team president Rob Pelinka to superstar LeBron James, L.A.'s frontcourt issues have been well-documented in the media. How the franchise will address these issues, however, is a different story.

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Here is a closer look at how the Lakers' thin center rotation haunted them, sly comments from LeBron James and what the team could do moving forward.

What did LeBron James say about Anthony Davis?

In L.A.'s Game 5 loss to Minnesota, James, a 6-foot-9 forward, was the tallest Laker to play more than five minutes. Related: Rudy Gobert finished with 27 points and 24 rebounds, the Lakers gave up 18 offensive rebounds and were outrebounded, 54-37.

After the game, James was asked about the team being forced to play center-less basketball for the last three and a half months. The slyness of James' answer speaks volumes.

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"No comment, I'll never say that, because my guy AD said what he needed and then he was gone the following week, so I got no comment. I put that uniform on every night, I gave everything I had and that's all that matters," James said while laughing.

James is referring to former teammate Anthony Davis' late January assessment that the Lakers were "right there" for title contention but, "I think we need another big," hoping the franchise would make a move for one before the Feb. 6 deadline.

Instead of trading for a center, L.A. traded Davis for Luka Doncic ahead of the deadline, making an already thin frontcourt even thinner. James joked that he could be traded if he spoke out in a manner similar to his former running mate.

When Doncic was introduced as a Laker in early February, Pelinka addressed the elephant in the room, saying the team's "roster has continued work to do to become complete," adding that "We know we have a need for a big."

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They attempted to address that need with a deadline move for Hornets center Mark Williams. Days later, Williams failed L.A.'s physical exam, thus voiding the deal.

With the deadline passed, the Lakers were limited in their options and chose to sign free agent Alex Len as a backup for starting center Jaxson Hayes.

Hayes and Len played a combined 35 minutes in the Wolves series, with Hayes going from the starting lineup to a DNP-CD in Game 5, while Len only appeared in two games.

L.A.'s decision to go with Len rather than elevate one of Trey Jemison or Christian Koloko to a standard contract stands out as a glaring one. Jemison (6-11) and Koloko (7-1) are both younger options who better fit the mold of rim-protecting lob threats that have a mutually beneficial relationship with Doncic on the court.

So, what's next?

Lakers offseason options at center

The Sporting News' Steph Noh explored some realistic frontcourt options for the Lakers this offseason.

L.A. has some financial restrictions, but the allure of playing for the Lakers alongside Doncic and James could be a draw for some free agents. Among higher-profile options Noh listed are Clint Capela, Brook Lopez and Steven Adams.

Other options in free agency include Kevon Looney and Andre Drummond.

Should the Lakers explore trades, Noh listed Heat star Bam Adebayo as an option, though it may be difficult for L.A. to make a deal work. 

Several questions face L.A. this offseason, but its need for a center may be the biggest.