Los Angeles Lakers: 3 reasons to trade for Anthony Davis now
3. Domino piece for free agency
Much has been made of the Lakers’ very open desire to sign a max-level free agent this coming summer. They’re looking to acquire a co-star for LeBron, a piece they don’t currently have, with the funds necessary to make it happen.
Money, though, isn’t the only factor most free agents consider when picking a team, which is why guys like Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson and Kemba Walker aren’t likely to be wearing the purple and gold come the summertime.
However, a sales pitch of LeBron and Anthony Davis sounds a lot more attractive than suiting up next to Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball, and it could be the difference in getting one of those guys to sign on the dotted line.
Woj even reported late Monday night that Davis’ presence in L.A. along with a lowball offer from the Golden State Warriors could push Thompson to Southern California. Magic Johnson can’t control how much the Dubs offer, but he can certainly do his part by making sure AD is in place.
Because the salaries involved in any trade need to align, the Lakers could make it so that they wouldn’t be dipping into their precious cap space by acquiring Davis now. They’d simply have to send close to equal money to New Orleans.
If the deal is right, L.A. could have two superstars and a boatload of cash to spend, paving the way to the league’s newest Big 3.