Los Angeles Lakers: 3 potential trade proposals for Anthony Davis

Trade Option No. 2

Here’s a similar but slightly different look.

In this proposal, the Lakers are sending over Lonzo Ball instead of Ingram. It seems like a fairly insignificant swap, but it does make a sizable difference for both parties. The Pelicans already have Jrue Holiday in the backcourt, but Los Angeles would still have to make the rest of the deal interesting.

That’s done by including Hart, who gives them an exciting scoring option off the bench. The more important piece here, though, is the inclusion of the Lakers’ 2019 first round pick compared to the one from 2020. That gives New Orleans returns it can appreciate sooner, slightly making up for the fact that Ball has been subbed in for Ingram. Most likely, it’d require another first round pick in 2021 as well.

To counteract losing four guards, the Pelicans throw in Elfrid Payton and Ian Clark. Neither offers a ton of excitement for the Lakers, but at least gives them young, experienced options to replace those minutes. Better than digging into the free agency scrap heap to fill those voids.

Of the three packages, I think this is the one the Pelicans are least likely to bite on. The best player they get is Ball, who plays a position they already have filled. However, if they’re simply looking to stockpile young talent, adding Ball, Hart and two first round picks isn’t the worst way to do it.

Note: Clark would have to agree to be traded to the Lakers due to his one-year Bird restriction.