Lakers Rumors: How the Lakers can land Anthony Davis

There have been countless superstars tied up in Lakers rumors dating back to one summer. One name that has not been mentioned is Anthony Davis.

Call me crazy. I know, Anthony Davis has not been involved in Lakers rumors like LeBron James or Paul George. Call me crazy. I know that Anthony Davis is a world-renowned talent and the chances of the Lakers landing him back be slim. However, the possibility is as high as it has ever been and we may finally see Davis heading out of New Orleans.

The New Orleans Pelicans (who were the New Orleans Hornets at the time) drafted Davis with the first overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. At the time, Davis was one of the most promising first-round picks in recent memory.

Davis has not failed to deliver. In just five and a half seasons (including this season) Davis is a five-time all-star, a two-time All-NBA Team member, a two-time All-Defensive Team member, has led the league twice in blocks and was the 2017 All-Star Game MVP. This year, Davis is averaging 27.4 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.

Davis is undoubtedly one of the best players in the NBA and has MVP potential. Although he has taken the back seat in terms of hype behind guys like Giannis Antetokounmpo, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, Davis is sensational. Even better — he is still only 24 years old.

However, Davis has not won a single playoff game in his career. Davis has only made the postseason once, in 2015 and was swept by the Golden State Warriors. The Pelicans still failed to miss the playoffs last season even after trading for DeMarcus Cousins.

This failed playoff success is definitely in Davis’ mind.

In an interview with Rachel Nichols on The Jump, Nichols asked Davis how he felt about comments made by Paul Pierce. Pierce had stated that Kevin Garnett said he biggest regret was not requesting a trade sooner out of Minnesota. Davis responded with, “It make’s you think,” as well as “you’re wondering if you’re following the same path.”

While Davis looks to be loyal now, those comments are concerning for the New Orleans Pelicans. Davis did state that he would evaluate his future with New Orleans when his contract is up in 2021. However, maybe the two sides will just agree to cut the ties sooner than we all expect.

And that is where the Los Angeles Lakers jump in and propose this trade to land Anthony Davis:

You may be screaming at me from your phone, tablet or computer screens — let me explain.

First and foremost, trading Lonzo Ball has only become more and more of a possibility in the latest weeks. His father, LaVar, continues to make outlandish comments only drawing negative attention towards Lonzo. This had led to many speculating that the only way the Lakers can get LeBron James is if the Lonzo show is over.

However, Ball is still immensely talented and would have a lot of trade value. He is the center of the piece.

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Alongside Ball, though, the Lakers could agree to a sign-and-trade deal with Julius Randle, who is a restricted free agent this off-season. A three year, $21 million contract is worth Randle’s services and fits the Pelicans’ budget. Throw in a 2019 draft pick and New Orleans has three solid young players to build around.

The icing on the cake is Luol Deng; reports stated that the only way Deng can be freed up is if Ball, Ingram or Kuzma are traded. Bingo. You get Lonzo out to get LeBron in while maintaining cap space.

Then, the Lakers would still have around $65 million to spend on LeBron and whatever other star wants to come to LA. Maybe it’s LeBron and Paul George, LeBron and a point guard, Paul George and a point guard. However the Lakers want to do it, they have space.

Next: Why the Lakers current situation will not work

This trade makes perfect sense for both sides, especially if Davis does want out of New Orleans. Although Davis may not be a guy that is heavily involved in Lakers rumors now, I would not be shocked if you hear his name in said Lakers rumors more frequently this summer.

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