Lebron James is doing everything possible to strengthen the LA Lakers and that includes recruiting Anthony Davis.
James couldn’t hide
“That would be amazing,” James told ESPN after Wednesday’s 115-110 loss to the Nets. “That would be amazing, like duh. That would be incredible.”
The idea of trading for the five-time All-Star could benefit both the Lakers and Pelicans. The Pelicans, 15-16 and 12th in the West, could pry some of the Lakers’ young assets like Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram or Lonzo Ball in a deal. That trio has been previously unattainable in other trade scenarios, but it seems the Lakers would need to be convinced to part with some if they wanted to land Davis.
ESPN noted the Lakers would be more attracted to grabbing Davis now and possibly agreeing to an extension, as it would benefit both parties:
He is eligible for a supermax extension this summer worth $239 million over five years, should he choose to stay with New Orleans. Should he be traded and ride out the rest of his guaranteed deal, his new team — such as the Lakers or the Boston Celtics, who also are lurking in the Davis sweepstakes with trade assets galore — could sign him to a five-year, $205 million extension in the summer of 2020. Or if he simply waits out his final year with the Pelicans and tests unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2020, the most he could sign for with a new team with cap space would be for four years, $152 million.
James’ first courting attempt came earlier this season, when Davis opted to join Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports Group, the same firm that represents James. At the time, James congratulated Davis on the agent switch.
The 25-year-old Davis is owed $27.1 million next season and has a player option for 2020-21 worth $28.8 million. He’s averaging 28 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.8 blocks this season.
Davis won’t hit the trade block right away for a simple reason: the Pelicans don’t want to just get rid of their franchise player.
Davis is one of the true superstars in the league — a two-way force averaging 28 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal, and 2 blocks per game who’s just hitting his prime.
The Pelicans are also hoping they can go on another second-half surge like they did last year, win a playoff series or two, and convince Davis that they’re close to contending for a championship. The idea of joining a better team (and perhaps a bigger market than New Orleans) are the two most-cited reasons why Davis would leave the Pelicans.
So, the Pelicans won’t just give him up.
But what if Davis turns down that extension? It would signal to the rest of the league that Davis is eyeing an exit, and the Pelicans would likely be forced to consider trade scenarios.
