“I know Kobe Bryant would say ‘yo trade this motherf**ker’” - Former 6th Man of the Year surprisingly named Anthony Davis as trade candidate for Lakers
Two-time NBA champion Lamar Odom believes the LA Lakers should trade Anthony Davis. The Lakers haven't looked close to being contenders this season. They need to make changes to their roster to return to that level. Russell Westbrook is rumored to be a potential trade candidate.
Odom voiced an unpopular opinion on his new podcast. He believes that trading Anthony Davis should be the team's top priority. During the first episode of "The LADE Show," Odom said:
"I think they will have to make some trades to really shake things up. I think they will have to make a trade that most people probably wouldn't agree with. ... Trade Anthony Davis. I mean no disrespect to Anthony Davis, he's one of my favorite players."
Odom added:
"The last two years Anthony Davis played, I don't know if he's played 82 games. And I would just say that I know what Kobe Bryant would say, 'yo, trade that motherf**ker.'"
Davis helped the Lakers win a championship in 2020. When healthy, he is arguably one of the top 10 best players in the league. However, "The Brow" has only played 76 games across the last two seasons. Injuries have limited his availability.
There is growing concern about his ability to avoid injuries over long stretches. Davis' name was thrown around in potential trades this summer, but none of those rumors were substantial. The Lakers have faith in him.
Instead, the Purple-and-Gold are exploring moves involving Russell Westbrook. His $47 million expiring deal gives the LA Lakers a chance to acquire some impactful role players.
However, they will have to give up what's left of their draft capital for the rest of the decade. They will likely have to include their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks to entice teams to take on Westbrook's contract. Meanwhile, trading Anthony Davis could save those picks for the Lakers and help them add a superstar-caliber player.
Davis is in his prime and has proven that he can be a leader on a contending roster. There aren't many big men as talented as him available on the trade block. It makes sense for the Lakers to keep him for an extended run.
Anthony Davis starts new season in good rhythm, while Russell Westbrook continues to struggle
The LA Lakers have struggled to find a role for Russell Westbrook this season. He has shown an unwillingness to settle for a bench role. His on-court chemistry with LeBron James and Anthony Davis is lacking. As a result, the Lakers have lost their first three games of the season.
Westbrook has averaged 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists this season. He has shot a dismal 28.9% from the floor, including 8.3% from the 3-point range. The nine-time All-Star shot 0-for-11 during the team's loss against the LA Clippers on October 20.
Russell Westbrook has shot 4-for-26 (15.4%) in his last 2 games.
FROM ELIAS: That is tied for the worst field goal percentage over any 2-game span by a Lakers player in the last 50 years (min. 25 FGA). Westbrook tied himself from earlier this year in January. @ESPNStatsInfo
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis has looked lethal on both ends of the floor. He has averaged 24.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.3 blocks. He is shooting 50.9% from the field.
AD is in great shape and has been crucial in helping the LA Lakers thrive on the defensive end of the floor. He's been one of the few positives for the team during their losing streak.
The LA Lakers have struggled with a lack of shooting around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers currently rank last in the league in 3-point shooting percentage (21.2%).
With Westbrook unable to make a significant impact offensively, the Lakers might revisit potential trades to improve their roster. The Lakers will likely be aggressive in the trade market over the next few weeks.