Subscribe
Follow Us
Earlier this week, Anthony Davis informed the New Orleans Pelicans that he would like to be traded to a championship-contending team. Since then, speculation has run rampant as to where he might land. Davis, however, seems to be favoring the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Anthony Davis is focused on the Lakers as his top preferred destination, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium. The Knicks are also as a preferred landing spot, and made push to New Orleans with offer around Kristaps Porzingis before the Dallas deal.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2019
Davis' revelation caught some by surprise, but he felt it was the right time, according to a person close to the situation. Rather than dragging the process out, Davis did the Pelicans a solid by informing them in advance.
Just spoke to someone close to Anthony Davis about today's news.
Their thoughts: "It's just time for him to make that move. He always wanted to give everything he had to the organization. He feels like putting the request out now is his way of doing right by them."
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) January 28, 2019
Rich Paul, who also represents LeBron James, detailed Davis' mindset in an interview with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski:
“Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him a chance to win consistently and compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN. “Anthony wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions and that's the reason for informing them of this decision now. That's in the best interests of both Anthony's and the organization's future.”
Davis is currently sidelined due to a finger injury, but there is no doubt he would be a fine addition to any team. The former Kentucky Wildcat has made 41 appearances with the Pelicans this season (all starts), racking up averages of 29.3 points on 50.8 percent shooting from the field (32.5 percent from beyond the arc), 13.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.6 blocks and 1.7 steals in 37.0 minutes per outing.
Whether or not the Lakers will be able to land Davis in a deal remains to be seen, but it sounds like both sides are interested.
