The Los Angeles Lakers, off to a disappointing 2-7 start to their 2022-23 campaign, are exploring options for trading star forward Anthony Davis, according to Bill Simmons of The Ringer.
The Lakers acquired the star in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019. The Lakers are exploring this option as an alternative to trading away slumping point guard Russell Westbrook or the obviously frustrated LeBron James.
Here’s what Simmons said about the potential blockbuster on The Bill Simmons Podcast:
There’s some buzz… some buzzing that AD might be available. That’s a Plan B because the Westbrook trade, and whatever they think they can get for Westbrook, whether you want to give future assets, maybe that doesn’t even make sense cause what are you getting for the Lakers? You’ve got Davis here, who I don’t think has looked the same for a couple of years. Certainly, not close to bubble Davis, that’s the last time we saw vintage, 2018 Pelicans-level Davis.
This year he’s on the books for $37.9, next year $40.6, player option in 2025, $43.2. I don’t know what the endgame with this Lakers team is, but the Pelicans have their pick. I don’t think whatever they have, I don’t think it’s really fixable in a way to make them a playoff team.
Davis has appeared in eight games this season, averaging 22.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.6 steals per game. The Lakers are next in action Monday night when they face the Utah Jazz on the road.
