NBA News: Anthony Davis Plays It Safe, Passes On 2019 FIBA World Cup Stint

Anthony Davis was officially presented as the newest member of the Los Angeles Lakers during a press conference and the Brow stressed what his immediate goal would be - win an NBA title. While that hardly came as a surprise, given that he joins a stellar roster, the decision to pass on USA Basketball could be. While critics are expected to have a field day on that move, it could be good news for other NBA cagers who want to represent Team USA at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Chris Haynes learned from sources that Davis will opt out of consideration to join USA Basketball and remove his name from consideration. The move would, later on, be confirmed by agent Rich Paul with the top overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft planning to use bulk of the offseason to prepare for the 2019-20 NBA season. However, Davis still plans to head to Las Vegas from August 5 to 9 to support his teammates according to a source. Looking ahead, however, Davis remains committed to competing in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics - likely assuming if the invitation is still open.

In the eyes of some, Davis passing on the 2019 World Cup hardly comes as a shock. Most know that the 26-year-old is bent on winning an NBA title and that he is willing to sacrifice to attain it. That includes waiving his $4 million trade kicker to help the Lakers in getting in more stars to the mix. One of the notable additions is DeMarcus Cousins, a former teammate AD had when both played for the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2017-18 NBA season.

Davis also stands to lose some endorsement deals passing on Team USA. But looking ahead, all these financial sacrifices could be covered if Davis and the Lakers go on to win NBA title/s moving forward. Based on the cast the purple and gold have right now, they have little to no reason not to win it all for the 2019-20 NBA wars.

“There is nothing he can’t do. He can shoot. He can make plays. He can defend 1-5. He can protect the rim. He can handle the ball. His dedication to his craft is unparalleled,” said Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka in a report from Agence France-Presse.