Lakers Offseason Rumors Involve A Trade For Anthony Davis And Signing A Top Free Agent?

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be active at the trade deadline but it appears to be a delicate situation for general manager Rob Pelinka. The Lakers have $39 million in salary-cap space in an offseason loaded with star free agents but also plenty of burgeoning young players who might be attractive on the trade market.

ESPN's NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski summed it up in a show Friday with colleague Zach Lowe.

"Here's the line they have to walk: they're not going to give away picks and their top young players in some deal that makes them incrementally better this season because they've got to save all those assets for Anthony Davis — a big trade this summer either pre or post free agency."

Wojnarowski cited how the Lakers added Tyson Chandler and pursued Trevor Ariza, two veterans who don't have salaries that could impede moves to sign or trade for elite players. Ariza, meanwhile, was reportedly traded this weekend by the Phoenix Suns to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Austin Rivers and Kelly Oubre Jr. after complications with a three-way trade.

Lowe added to Wojnarowski's comments by pointing out that the Lakers' offseason strategy should be to first sign a top free agent and then trade young players for Davis.

Davis, 25, has only reached the playoffs twice in six seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans. The five-time All-Star is averaging 28.1 points and 12.4 rebounds this season.

Davis will earn $27.1 million in 2019-20, according to Spotrac.

Other NBA stars who have been rumored to potentially join the Lakers through free agency or a trade include Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson.

The Lakers have several young players who could be included in a package to acquire Davis or another star player. Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, Moritz Wagner and their 2019 first round pick are some of the assets Pelinka can offer teams.