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Los Angeles Lakers: The three things we’ve learned with LeBron James out

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 04: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers argues an out of bounds call with referee Ken Mauer #41 during a 119-112 New York Knicks win at Staples Center on January 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 04: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers argues an out of bounds call with referee Ken Mauer #41 during a 119-112 New York Knicks win at Staples Center on January 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. A trade for Anthony Davis WILL happen

The Los Angeles Lakers have been heavily connected to Anthony Davis after Davis ditched his former agent and signed with Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, the same agent that represents none other than LeBron James.

Paul represents plenty of players that do not play alongside James but the timing of this move was particularly interesting. With the Pelicans struggling this year, the writing is on the wall for Davis to eventually become a Laker.

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When that will happen is unclear. For contractual reasons, it makes more sense for the Lakers to try and make a move happen now, while they have contracts like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to trade, and then offer Davis a max extension.

However, the Pelicans might be waiting to see if Davis is willing to sign on with a max extension. If that is the case, the team obviously would not be willing to trade him.

There is no winning culture in New Orleans at the moment and Davis would benefit from a legacy and exposure standpoint to come to the Lakers, that is without a doubt.

What was up in the air is if the team would be willing to part ways with two pieces of the young core to get Davis. The recent stretch has taught us that Ingram and Ball, while they can become stars one day, will take longer than anticipated to make that next leap.

With the title window not being that large for James, it has become much more evident that the Lakers are going to need a superstar like Anthony Davis. Now, there is no doubt that the front office would be willing to part ways with two of the young stars.

Los Angeles would have to find a new point guard but could trade Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ivica Zubac and an unprotected draft pick for Davis (potentially two).

It seems like a lot but it is worth it to make the Lakers the clear-cut favorites to dethrone the Golden State Warriors and win the NBA Title.

Next. Mavericks are a potential trade partner for LA. dark

A starting five of Rajon Rondo, Josh Hart, LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma and Anthony Davis is dangerous in the playoffs. Sort out the bench in the offseason and the Los Angeles Lakers could win three titles in a row with that core.

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