According to several reports, the Los Angeles Lakers are said to be interested in acquiring New Orleans Pelicans All-Star Anthony Davis. However, if the Lakers are indeed after Davis and the feeling is mutual, they may need to strike while the iron is hot, as there are several others teams in this hunt, including the Boston Celtics.

The Celtics are currently holding a treasure trove of draft picks. In fact, Boston could have as many as four first-round picks in the 2019 draft, which makes them an enticing trade partner for a lot of teams.

Brian Windhorst expanded on this situation in a recent article for ESPN, noting the Celtics can't trade for Davis this season unless Kyrie Irving was on the way out, giving the Lakers a chance to strike.

If Davis felt the same way (LeBron) James did and wants to be a Laker, his best move would be to ask for a trade now before the Boston Celtics are allowed to get into the bidding. The Celtics, with a possible four first-round picks in the 2019 draft plus a bevy of young prospects, have a serious interest in trading for Davis if he ever becomes available.

They might be able to outbid almost anyone if it came to that. But the Celtics can't trade for Davis now because teams are forbidden from trading for two “designated” players at the same time. They already have one, Kyrie Irving, and Davis is another. The term refers to the types of contract extensions they signed.

Before you ask: Yes, the Celtics could trade Irving for Davis but this would defeat the point. Also, Irving, a free-agent-to-be who has pledged his loyalty to the Celtics, isn't a player the New Orleans Pelicans would want. Once Irving's contract expires in July, a trade would be allowed.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Coco Gauff of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
LeBron James erupts with huge reaction to Coco Gauff’s French Open winLorenzo J Reyna ·
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kobe Bryant, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers
Thunder news: How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws ‘influence’ from Kobe BryantTomer Azarly ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
NBA news: Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·
Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal stands next to Kobe Bryant with GOAT signs in background
Shaquille O’Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe BryantRandall Barnes ·

Whether or not the Pelicans will trade Davis remains to be seen. Without a doubt, he'd be a fine addition for the Lakers, especially when paired with LeBron James.

“That would be amazing,” James told ESPN on Tuesday before the Lakers' 115-110 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, referring to the Lakers landing Davis through a trade. “That would be amazing, like, duh. That would be incredible.”

Davis, now 25 years of age, has made 27 appearances with the Pelicans this season (all starts), racking up averages of 28.0 points on 50.3 percent shooting from the field (32.4 percent from beyond the arc), 12.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 2.8 blocks and 1.7 steals in 37.0 minutes per outing.

The Lakers would love to have Davis if he's made available. However, it seems they'll need to beat the Celtics to the punch.