NBA Rumors: Lakers Have What It Takes To Trade For Anthony Davis, Celtics, Knicks Won't Match Offer

It sounds like the Los Angeles Lakers can have Anthony Davis if they want him. The team just has to meet the New Orleans Pelicans’ asking price.

Exactly one week before the 2019 NBA Draft, the Lakers and Pelicans are engaging in serious trade talks. L.A. is trying to acquire the superstar without giving up all their young assets, reportedly keeping Kyle Kuzma out of their current offer.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said on “Get Up” Thursday morning that the Lakers have what it takes to get a deal done. New Orleans rejected Los Angeles’ reported offer that included Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and two first-round picks in February.

With David Griffin now running the Pelicans and Davis one year away from free agency, the same offer would likely put New Orleans’ best player in purple and gold.

A lot has changed since February when the Pelicans seemingly had no intention of sending Davis to the Lakers, making Los Angeles’ offer more appealing four months later.

The Pelicans were waiting for the Boston Celtics to make them an offer, which was impossible when Kyrie Irving was signed to his previous contract. Boston is reportedly engaged in negotiations with New Orleans. The Celtics can probably acquire Davis by giving up Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and multiple draft picks, but they are unlikely to do so now that Irving is likely headed to New York.

Rich Paul, Davis’ agent, reiterated in an interview with Sports Illustrated that was published Wednesday that the All-Star would leave Boston as a free agent in 2020.

The New York Knicks had a chance to become the frontrunners in the Anthony Davis Sweepstakes. That likely ended on the night of the draft lottery when the Knicks earned the No.3 overall pick.

New York could’ve had Davis if they won the lottery and wanted to trade the right to pick Zion Williamson. Maybe getting the No.2 pick and Murray State’s Ja Morant would’ve allowed the Knicks to make a competitive offer. Duke’s R.J. Barrett—almost certain to be drafted by the Knicks—doesn’t entice the Pelicans as much, and New Orleans reportedly isn’t too enamored with New York’s other young players.

The lottery, however, did help the Lakers’ package. When Los Angeles was offering their 2019 first-rounder to New Orleans before the trade deadline, it was thought that selection would be in the middle of the first round. Now, the Lakers can send the Pelicans the No.4 pick.

According to multiple reports, the Pelicans are hoping to include a third team that would trade them an established player in exchange for the No.4 selection. It’s unknown what impactful player an NBA team might part with for the Lakers’ first pick.

The Lakers initially tried to hold onto some of their assets before putting everything on the table in trade talks with the Pelicans a few months ago. Los Angeles might ultimately have to give in and offer that same deal if they hope to try and win a championship with Davis and LeBron James within the next few years.