Lakers Rumors: Paul Pierce suggests Anthony Davis to L.A. trade if Pelicans aren’t in hunt
Recent Lakers rumors reveal that superstar Anthony Davis could be on his way out of New Orleans.
Recent Lakers rumors are that future Hall of Famer, Paul Pierce, thinks the Los Angeles Lakers could make a trade for New Orleans superstar Anthony Davis this coming year. Pierce also speculates that his former squad, the Boston Celtics, may be in the running for Davis’ services.
According to The Truth, he believes a deal will depend on how the Pelicans play. Per Bleacher Report’s Mike Chiari (originally via ESPN’s The Jump), Pierce asserted the following theory about Davis.
"“If things don’t go well in New Orleans this year and they’re hovering around .500 or not looking like a playoff team, Boston’s going to make a run at him or the Lakers,” Pierce said. … “I guarantee you that. He will not be in New Orleans by the end of the year. … If they’re not playing well, he will not make it to All-Star Weekend.”"
If such a scenario transpired, it would instantly change the fabric of either conference.
As Chiari states in his piece, a player like Davis could catapult the Celtics over the Golden State Warriors. He is simply that good of a player.
On the other hand, if Davis hypothetically joined L.A., he would give the team a dominant force down low. The 5-time All-Star would fittingly make sense for a franchise famous for having excellent centers, going all the way back to George Mikan.
While this is a hot take from Pierce, there is some degree of logic behind his thinking.
As Paolo Songco of ClutchPoints reminds us, Davis recently cut the cord with agent Thad Foucher. Certainly, the decision suggests that Davis wants something more than he currently possesses.
Via the same report, there is a chance that The Brow could pair with Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. This is significant given that Paul has been LeBron James’ agent for a number of years.
An agent of Paul’s caliber would bode well with a big name such as Davis. Davis is coming off a spectacular season where he averaged 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. The Pelicans’ franchise player also led the NBA in blocks (2.6/game), making it the third time he has been the blocks champion.
That being said, he would be quite the acquisition for the Lakers. Like James, he is clearly a top-notch talent on both ends of the hardwood.
What is also important to consider is how young Davis still is. At 25 years of age, it is fair to say he has not even reached his peak yet. Frankly, that is a scary thought to pore over.
On that note, having Davis in town would possibly grant the Lakers with flexibility at the end of James’ 4-year pact. If he signed longtime with L.A., the 6-foot-10 baller would keep the Lakers credible.
If Davis picks Paul, too, that will only raise the bar that much higher. Under this hypothetical, the Lakers would be set long-term in terms of being able to market themselves to other big names.
Via Pierce (courtesy of Songco), that is where the beauty of a Paul-Davis union could reside.
"“He [Paul] pretty much controls the market. Guys are running left and right to be represented by him.”"
Of course, it is worth noting that none of this is a guarantee. Metro US contributor Joe Pantorno sheds some light on why Davis to the Lakers may be tough to execute.
Pantorno reveals that the Lakers would have to put together a huge package to convince New Orleans to dangle Davis. That package could include small forward Brandon Ingram.
Moreover, the Lakers would likely have to sacrifice additional pieces from their young core. That would deplete their depth and would perhaps not be the smartest move on their part.
It should also be considered that Anthony Davis still has three years left on his contract. Therefore, New Orleans may not want to trade him unless they get the motherload in return. They will not accept any insulting offers.
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A major incentive for the Lakers is that Davis’ presence would tighten the gap in the Western Conference. He is one of the few guys in the game that carries that “it” quality. In other words, he has the tools to change the outcome of a game on his own.
Accordingly, if the Pelicans are not faring too well this season, who knows what could occur.