LA Lakers Rumors Roundup: NBA executive thinks Anthony Davis injury could help in trade talks; Lakers urged to sign 4-time All-Star, and more

The LA Lakers announced on Friday that Anthony Davis will be out indefinitely due to a stress injury in his right foot. The latest rumors suggest that Davis' injury might help the Lakers in potential trade talks ahead of the February 9 deadline.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have been urged to sign a four-time NBA All-Star as a temporary replacement for Davis. LeBron James, Thomas Bryant and Wenyen Gabriel are tipped to play center in Davis' absence, but the Lakers need another backup.

On that note, here's is the latest LA Lakers rumors roundup for December 24 brought to you by Sportskeeda.

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NBA executive thinks Anthony Davis injury could help in trade talks

Anthony Davis of the LA Lakers

The LA Lakers might not have any other choice but to make a trade to alleviate the absence of Anthony Davis. The Lakers cannot afford to miss the playoffs, as their pick will end up in New Orleans.

Citing a rival executive, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reported that Davis' injury might help the Lakers in trade talks. Woike explained that the exec believes the Lakers would have the leverage to turn down trades and redirect their focus on the offseason.

"Another rival said that if negotiated properly, he felt the Davis injury could actually help the Lakers' position in trade talks," Woike wrote. "The team's sought leverage in talks since the summer, with much of the league viewing them as 'desperate' to make some kind of trade.

That, plus the early-season timing of any talks, has kept the asking price really high. This executive thought a Davis injury of any real severity would give the Lakers leverage they haven't had since the summer by giving them a very real reason to shut down talks and focus on the offseason."

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LA Lakers urged to sign 4-time All-Star

DeMarcus Cousins last played for the Denver Nuggets

Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report believes that the LA Lakers have several options to cope with Anthony Davis' injury. Pincus thinks they could make a minor trade and acquire a backup big man. They could also sign a cheaper option in free agency.

Pincus opined that the Lakers should attempt to sign four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins. He played for the Denver Nuggets last season, averaging 8.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 31 games. He's no longer the player he once was but can still contribute to a team like the Lakers.

Cousins is a former Laker but never played for the team. He was signed as a free agent in 2019 but tore his ACL before the season started. He was waived later that season but was given a championship ring.

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People within LA Lakers interested in Cam Reddish

Cam Reddish of the New York Knicks

Cam Reddish has not played a game for the New York Knicks since December 3 against the Dallas Mavericks. Reddish has fallen out of the rotation but remains a hot commodity in the trade market.

According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, the LA Lakers remain interested in Reddish. Woike reported that there're people within the franchise that are very "intrigued" with Reddish, who's averaging 8.4 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists this season.

Reddish is a young wing player who can score the basketball and provide respectable defense. He's also a Klutch Sports client, which makes it more interesting for the Lakers. The Knicks are asking for a first-round pick for Reddish, but could drop two multiple second-round picks before the deadline.

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