Latest Los Angeles Lakers rumors on Anthony Davis trade, Lonzo Ball, more
Lakers offering king’s ransom for Anthony Davis
Now on to the big question everyone in Laker Land is asking: What do the Lakers have to give up to get Davis? It’s assumed they’ll pay dearly for arguably the greatest big in the game right now, and the latest rumors support that assertion.
According to the Los Angeles Times‘ Brad Turner, a Davis trade could cost the Lakers three of their top prospects, a suddenly blossoming center and a first round pick.
Sources: Lakers let Demps know one of trade scenarios would include Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Ivica Zubac, No. 1 pick, per source.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) January 31, 2019
That’s A LOT of capital to give up for any player, even one as talented as Davis. That’s three of the Lakers’ four “young stars,” a young center who is finally realizing his potential and draft assets. The crazy part is that still wouldn’t be enough to make the deal work financially. The Lakers would have to throw in someone else, although they could theoretically get another body back in return.
Furthermore, it leaves the Lakers rather thin. Let’s assume they throw in Lance Stephenson to make the money work. From there, the starting lineup would be Rajon Rondo, Josh Hart, LeBron, Davis and JaVale McGee. The top bench options? Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Beasley and Moritz Wagner. Yeah, that’s no good.
And if that’s a 2019 first round pick, that leaves the Lakers with even less options to reload this upcoming offseason.
Next. NBA Trade Deadline - 15 players in need of a change. dark
We all know the Lakers are applying the “go big or go home” approach here, and that’s fine. However, gutting your roster to acquire Davis probably isn’t the way to win rings. As we’ve learned in the past, it takes more than just a strong starting lineup to go the distance in the NBA.