Anthony Davis To Join LeBron James? Not Happening, Lakers Reporter Says

New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis is on the radar of a number of NBA franchises despite the power forward still holding two years on his contract with his current employers. Recent reports indicated he could look to leave the Pelicans before the trade deadline in February, but who has the pieces to entice the New Orleans franchise to cash in on their biggest star remains to be seen.

The Los Angeles Lakers are among the handful of other franchises — including the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks — that are interested in the Pelicans forward.

Davis currently has a contract with the Pelicans until 2020, but has a player option for the 2020-21 season. He will also be eligible for a supermax contract next year, but it is unclear if he will sign a new deal.

Lakers are interested in pairing him James, which will make them instant contenders for the NBA title, but according to Lakers reporter Anthony Irwin, that is unlikely to happen this year. He believes the Pelicans will not be tempted to trade Davis, who is arguably one of the best in the NBA at the moment.

“The nice thing by trading for Davis is that he keeps his bird rights so you can continue to go above the cap to sign him when his free agency hits,” Irwin said on the Locked on Lakers podcast, as transcribed by the Express.

“Obviously that would be a tremendous trade but the concern here is whether New Orleans has any reason whatsoever to trade him. You’re looking at a team that has shown quite a bit of promise early on this season. For New Orleans there’s just no reason to cut bait with the guy, at least a year before you have to,” he added. “I don’t think the Lakers are going to be able to make a trade for Anthony Davis this year.”

“I don’t think anybody is going to be able to make a trade for Anthony Davis this year, that’s just how things have looked so far.”

The Lakers are looking to make a big play in free agency next summer and have cap space to sign a big free agent. Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard have been touted as potential arrivals.

According to Irwin, Davis’ arrival will limit their choices, but revealed they can make a play for Milwaukee Bucks small forward Khris Middleton as they will not be able to lure their top choices on the free agent list.

“If they were able to do that though I believe the Lakers would have enough room for - it depends on the star,” Irwin said. “Khris Middleton is cheaper than Klay Thompson so maybe that’s the third option.”

“If Khris Middleton is your third best player and you’re two best players are LeBron James and Anthony Davis then you’re doing pretty good.”