NBA Trade Rumors: Could Los Angeles Lakers go after Anthony Davis?

Recent NBA trade rumors suggest Anthony Davis could be available somewhere down the road. If that’s the case, could the Los Angeles Lakers enter the running for the big man’s services?

In recent days, the NBA trade rumors surrounding New Orleans Pelicans big man Anthony Davis have gotten louder. Reports suggest a couple of teams have pushed hard to make a deal, despite the Pelicans’ consistently stated disinterest in shipping the former No. 1 overall pick away.

While that may be the case, there are plenty of suitors waiting for the day he becomes available. If the losses start to pile up, the playoffs become a distant dream and Anthony Davis wants out, the Pelicans could decide to listen to what offers exist out there.

Here’s ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowki on the matter:

"“Davis remains an obsession of several NBA teams full of the necessary trade assets to unfasten him from New Orleans, should the Pelicans ever consider a rebuild — or should Davis ever request a trade. Boston has remained vigilant on the possibility of acquiring Davis, and Davis knows it. However, the Pelicans have no intention of trading an all-world talent under contract through 2021, no matter the return.”"

Who’s to say the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t a part of that group of “several NBA teams?” While I firmly believe that other teams can offer more (especially in regards to draft compensation), I’m sure Magic Johnson could put together an intriguing package if he sincerely wanted to.

Let’s take a look at this. In return for Davis, the Lakers could offer a package like this:

Jordan Clarkson gives the Pelicans a serious scoring threat off the bench, Julius Randle replaces Davis as the starting power forward and Larry Nance Jr. provides quality depth in the frontcourt. Corey Brewer made the financials work, and Andrew Bogut is a cheap, one-year toss-in. The future first round pick gives New Orleans more draft assets to work with moving forward.

The Lakers get Ian Clark as well to help fill out their roster after parting with five players.

It’s a steep price to pay, but adding Anthony Davis would be a huge step forward for Los Angeles. He’d give them a legitimate superstar who Lonzo Ball can feed at will. He automatically upgrades this roster on both ends of the floor, adding scoring, rebounding and rim protection all in one neat package.

In the end, though, I doubt the Pelicans would bite at this offer. More than likely, they’d be looking for more star power and draft compensation. With the Lakers unlikely to part with their young building blocks such as Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma, their offer wouldn’t bring as much value as other teams (like the Boston Celtics) with more quality pieces to offer.

Still, if the opportunity arose, you’d better believe the Lakers would be giving Pelicans general manager Dell Demps a call. Either that, or they could simply wait until 2021 when Davis is set to become a free agent. According to Bleacher Report‘s Brian Boyles, the big man was rumored back in February to have interest in teaming up with Russell Westbrook in L.A.:

"“Thad Foucher of the Wasserman Media Group, the same agency that represents Russell Westbrook, is Davis’ agent. A source close to Davis’ agent floated the possibility that the end game could find the two uniting in Los Angeles with the talent-starved Lakers.”"

Obviously that can’t happen now that Westbrook has signed his max extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. At the same time, that doesn’t dispel the possibility that Davis wants to be a Laker. We may never know what he truly desires, but the potential is still there for him to make a drastic move — especially if the Pelicans continue to underwhelm.

Next: Big names most likely to be dealt before deadline

At this moment, all we can do is wait and wonder. For all we know, Davis will spend the rest of his career in New Orleans. If the Pelicans start fielding calls, the Lakers will absolutely be one of the teams on the other end.

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