Lakers Trade Rumors: Pelicans open to trading Anthony Davis to the Lakers

What's the rumor?

Adrian Wojnarowski today broke the huge story that Anthony Davis has requested a trade away from the New Orleans Pelicans. The news has sent shockwaves through the NBA, and the Los Angeles Lakers have been immediately linked with a move for the All-Star.

In regards to Davis making a move to the Lakers this month, the Los Angeles Times provided the following update:

The New Orleans Pelicans are open to trading Anthony Davis to the Lakers - but it’ll come at a hefty price. According to sources unauthorized to speak publicly on the deal, a Lakers offer for Davis would have to start with Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac and a first-round draft pick. Davis requested a trade from the Pelicans last week.

In case you didn't know...

Davis has been with the Pelicans since being drafted by the franchise as the first pick of the 2012 NBA draft. During his time in New Orleans, Davis has been named as an All-Star on five occasions and the 25-year-old is this season averaging 29.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

The heart of the matter

While Davis has enjoyed an incredible period of personal success with the Pelicans, his performances have not been able to transform the team into contenders. During his six years with the team, Davis and Pelicans have made only two trips to playoffs, and a postseason appearance this year looks incredibly unlikely.

Nevertheless, the Pelicans are under no pressure to trade Davis before the trade deadline, and the Celtics will be in a position to put together a strong trade package for the center in the summer. Ultimately, Davis' future lies away from New Orleans, although it is unlikely he will be traded this season.

What's next?

The Lakers will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, while the Pelicans will take on the Houston Rockets.