Will The Lakers Trade Anthony Davis?
The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their last game to the Utah Jazz in blowout fashion. With that loss, the Lakers are now 2-8 to begin the season. Just a mere couple weeks into the season, the Lakers have already begun to have trade rumors surrounding them. This time around, the trade rumors are regarding star big man Anthony Davis.
For months, the Lakers have had trade talks surrounding them regarding Russell Westbrook. It is clear that by now, the Lakers will not acquire real value in a trade for Davis. Therefore, they have shifted talks to Anthony Davis instead. In 9 games this season, Davis is averaging 23 points and 10 rebounds per game on 54% from the field. The 29-year-old big man is not playing at the same level he once was. Although his numbers still show decent production, Davis has been injury prone throughout his career, causing him to not be as explosive as he once was.
Bill Simmons of The Ringer feels that Davis may be available on the trade block. He also feels that Davis has not looked the same over the past few years, and has been nowhere near the player he once was for the Pelicans. Simmons referred to putting Davis up for trade as “plan b” for the Lakers. In reality, it may be the only way they can save their season. If the spark is not there now for the struggling Lakers, something must be done.
It would make sense for the Lakers to part ways with Davis. Just 10 games into the year, their season seems to be slipping away from them already. It is clear that both Davis’ durability and decreasing production are playing a role in their slow start. Aside from his performance in the bubble back in 2020, Davis has not been very dependable for the Lakers. It seems as though now if their slow start gets worse, they may part ways with the big man for good.
There are already a few potential landing spots in the event of a trade for Davis. The most popular teams currently are the Nets, the Bulls, and the Knicks. All of these trades would net the Lakers some value. Although Davis has been injury prone, he is still young and has a lot left in the tank.
It will be interesting to see the direction the Lakers go in terms of trading Davis. With a lot still left in his career, they can get real value for him if they trade now. Trading now is something they may just do, as the Lakers look to make a push for another title in LeBron’s final years.
