Reports: Anthony Davis might be made available for trade by LA Lakers, NBA analyst believes
The LA Lakers have been waiting for Anthony Davis to take over the reins of the franchise. It appears that the clock could be running out for the star forward.
Davis was acquired by the Lakers in a blockbuster trade with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019. Teaming up with LeBron James, the hope was that AD would become the next superstar to form a legacy in Los Angeles. The two led the Lakers to a championship in 2020.
Davis averaged 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks during the 2019-20 season. He played in 62 games, his highest number since the 2017-18 season.
Anthony Davis has missed a lot of time with injuries over the last couple of seasons. The Lakers struggled in his absence. Davis is still just 29-year old. There's no denying that he would have a lot of value in the trade market.
According to NBA analyst Bill Simmons, there is "some buzz" around the league that Davis might be available in trade talks.
Simmons shared the rumor on the latest episode of "The Bill Simmons" podcast. He said that this option could be "Plan B" for the Lakers if they are unable to find a trade partner for Russell Westbrook.
"There's some buzz that AD might be available. That that's a Plan B because the Westbrook trade, or whatever they think they can get for Westbrook. Whether you want to give up future assets, maybe that doesn't even make sense."
"You got Davis here, who I don't think has looked the same for a couple of years. Maybe that doesn't even make sense because what are you getting if you're the Lakers?"
Anthony Davis may be available for trade, per @BillSimmons https://t.co/ugSXowI6p6
Could the LA Lakers look to move on from Anthony Davis?
Anthony Davis has been one of the league's top players in the last decade. He's averaged north of 20.0 points per game in all but one season during his career. When healthy, Davis is an MVP candidate.
The problem is that he hasn't been able to stay healthy for significant stretches of his career. Davis played in just 76 out of a possible 164 games in the past two seasons.
The Lakers find themselves in a difficult situation. They still have one of the game's top superstars in LeBron James. But James is getting up there in age. He turns 38-years old next month.
The organization has actively been searching for ways to improve their current roster. But they lack the trade assets needed to acquire significant upgrades.
New @BillSimmons Podcast with @TheCousinSal recapping this week in the NFL then they Guess The Lines. Then NBA talk with me because Bill is hearing some buzz that Anthony Davis may be available for trade. So we got into the Lakers' approach and best fits. open.spotify.com/episode/5msBgs…
Anthony Davis is under contract with the Lakers until the 2024-25 season. He's set to make $37.9 million this season. His salary will be over $40.6 million for the 2023-24 season. Despite his injury history, Davis is currently the franchise's most valuable trade piece.
There's been plenty of speculation about the Lakers trying to trade Russell Westbrook. If they feel the need to make drastic changes, they could go in another direction.
The Lakers currently sit second last in the Western Conference with a 2-7 record. They have upcoming games against the Utah Jazz and LA Clippers.