NBA Rumors: Davis Doesn't Want Lakers Move Despite Being Unhappy With Pelicans

Anthony Davis is one of the most coveted players in the NBA at the moment with a number of franchises interested in signing the power forward, who currently plays for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Davis still has almost two years remaining on his contract with the Pelicans, and while he is eligible to a max contract next summer, he also has the option of buying himself out of his deal in 2019 and moving to the franchise of his choice.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been tipped to be the favorites in the race for his signature, but the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are also said to be keen to land the Pelicans forward.

If the franchises are keen to land Davis this season, which will make them instant title contenders, they will have to sacrifice a number of their assets which includes young prospects and future draft picks. However, there is no doubt that it has to something special to convince the Pelicans to part with their most prized possession.

But the New Orleans franchise could also be forced into it with reports suggesting that Davis is not a happy camper owing to the team’s struggles. They are currently 12th in the Western Conference standings with a 12-13 record and are not among the contenders to make the post-season playoffs.

However, despite that, NBA insider Steve Kyler claims Davis is open to extending his stay with the Pelicans, as long as the hierarchy take the right steps to strengthen the team and make them contenders. It is believed that the 2018-19 MVP contender is keen to win with the New Orleans franchise with whom he has spent his entire NBA career.

“Davis has even hinted at being unhappy with his situation, according to sources close to the process,” Kyler reported, as quoted by the Express. “But it’s clear that Davis expects the team to make whatever moves necessary to ensure they make the postseason."

“But his camp hasn’t expressed any desire to move. In fact, internally, they have said the same things Davis is saying publicly that he wants to win in New Orleans,” the NBA insider added.

Meanwhile, Lakers reporter Jorge Sedano has revealed that any move for Davis by the Lakers will be influenced by LeBron James. The three-time NBA champion is said to be as strategic off the court as he is on it when playing a game.

“We’ve talked about Anthony Davis and whether or not that will be a free agency move or not, I think that will run through [James'] head,” Sedano told Lakers Nation podcast.

“LeBron plays chess while everyone else plays chequers. Not just on the floor, but when it comes to the stuff outside of the game and how he wants the teams to look," he added. “He isn’t running the show, but he has a lot of influence. He puts pressure on franchises, and so he should, being the best player in the game."