NBA Rumors: Anthony Davis To Lakers? 'No Way', Expert Says

The Los Angeles Lakers are certain to go all out to strengthen the team in the summer after having yet another disappointing campaign, which is likely to see them miss out on the playoffs for the sixth straight season. It was something they were hoping to change after signing LeBron James on a four-year deal last summer.

The Lakers were hoping James’ arrival will automatically improve their chances to make the post-season and it had the desired effect. They were considered among the mid-table teams on course for the playoffs when they were ranked fourth after their Christmas Day win over the Golden State Warriors.

But the three-time NBA champion suffered a groin injury during the game against the Warriors and then went on to miss 18 games during which time the Lakers had dropped to 10th place after a 6-12 run. They have not been able to recover from that slump even after James’ return and continue to struggle to put together lengthy winning runs.

The Lakers have cap space to sign one big free agent and are said to be targeting Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard to fill the space. They are also keen to trade for Anthony Davis after the power forward informed the New Orleans Pelicans of his wish to leave.

Magic Johnson, Lakers’ president of basketball operations, was keen to get Davis before the trade deadline on Feb. 7 and made an effort by making multiple offers to the Pelicans, one of which even included five players – mostly starters – and multiple draft picks. But their offers fell on deaf ears with Johnson even going on to accuse the Pelicans of not negotiating in good faith.

The Lakers are expected to make a move for the forward again in the summer, but they will face competition from the Boston Celtics, who are long-time admirers of Davis. But ESPN’s Marc J Spears revealed that there was “no way” the six-time All-Star will be traded to the Lakers in the summer.

"I’ve been told there’s no way Anthony Davis is coming here through the Pelicans,” Spears said Wednesday on ESPN’s “The Jump”. “They’re just not gonna do it.”

And his fellow guest on “the Jump” Michael Wilbon agreed and admitted he was told the same by someone close to the Pelicans management. The Lakers likely have to look elsewhere and hope that Davis joins them when he enters free agency in 2020.

Spears and Wilbon also praised the Clippers, who they believe can upstage the Lakers in the summer as they have cap space for two free agents and players could be inclined to join them. Doc Rivers is a popular head coach and ESPN’s NBA expert hinted the Lakers could make a move for the Clippers coach if they decide to sack Luke Walton at the end of the season.