Anthony Davis Responds To LeBron James' Comments About Lakers Making A Trade For Pelicans' Star

LeBron James made headlines Tuesday when he told ESPN that it would be “amazing” if the Los Angeles Lakers made a trade to acquire Anthony Davis. L.A. is reportedly preparing for the day that the New Orleans Pelicans’ star might become available, though Davis is not concerning himself with those rumors just yet.

“I don't really care,” Davis told ESPN Wednesday night when asked about James’ comments. “Obviously, it's cool to hear any high-caliber player say they want to play with me. But my job is to turn this team around. If we're 15-17, that means I'm not doing my job.”

The future of Davis is among the biggest stories of the 2018-2019 NBA season. He won’t be part of the historic 2019 free agent class, but there is plenty of speculation that the big man could be changing teams within the next few months.

Davis will be eligible to sign a five-year, $239 million contract with New Orleans this summer. If he turns down that opportunity, the Pelicans are expected to trade their best player.

That’s exactly what happened this past offseason when Kawhi Leonard made it clear to the San Antonio Spurs that he wouldn’t sign the supermax. With one year left on his contract, San Antonio traded the former NBA Finals MVP to the Toronto Raptors.

Davis has not indicated whether or not he would accept New Orleans’ historic contract offer.

“When that time comes, of course we will see,” Davis told ESPN. “I love my teammates. I love New Orleans. I love the fans. I talk their slang. I love their food.”

All of that might not be enough to keep Davis in New Orleans if the team doesn’t start winning. After losing to the Milwaukee Bucks 123-115 Wednesday night, the Pelicans are 15-17 on the year. The loss dropped them to 13th in the Western Conference.

New Orleans swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of last year’s playoffs before losing to the Golden State Warriors in the second round. It was Davis' only postseason series victory with the Pelicans. Davis and New Orleans were swept by Golden State in the All-Star’s only other postseason appearance in 2015.

With young players like Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma on the roster, the Lakers could put together an appealing trade offer if the Pelicans decide it’s in their best interest to trade Davis. The Boston Celtics are considered to be another contender for Davis in a potential bidding war for the 25-year-old this summer.

Davis is averaging 28.0 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game this season.