Lakers rumors: Anthony Davis to LA has 'been in the works for years'

The Los Angeles Lakers have been eyeing superstar Anthony Davis for years now. What's stopping the purple and gold from acquiring him?

Per Chris Sheridan of Get More Sports, the Lakers have been trying to arrange a deal on how to acquire Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans. However, their archrivals, the Boston Celtics — who are loaded with assets — seem to be interested in Davis, too.

I am told that @AntDavis23 to the @Lakers has been in the works for years. That does not mean it is a certainty, because @Celtics can give up much, much more … and it all depends on whether the @PelicansNBA are able to beef up their roster between now and February. https://t.co/nvhGKp52CS

— Chris Sheridan (@sheridanhoops) November 26, 2018

However, it is revealed that the Celtics cannot trade for Davis since they will have two players under the Rose Rule, as Kyrie Irving, too, is under contract. The Rose Rule basically allows a player finishing his rookie contract to make 30 percent of a team's salary cap — up from 25 percent.

To be eligible, a player must have achieved one of three milestones during the first four seasons: MVP, Defensive Player of the Year award, or two All-NBA selections. (When Davis and Irving inked their extensions in 2015 and 2014, respectively, two All-Star starter nods were in place of DPOY.)

So this leaves the Lakers, at least for now, legitimate chance in landing Davis. Not only can they easily arrange an attractive trade package for the Pelicans, but they also have some cap space to utilize and extend the big man's stay in LA. Although various reports reveal that Davis is pretty loyal to the Pelicans' franchise, it should be noted that he recently signed with Rich Paul — LeBron James' agent from Klutch Sports. The Lakers are currently priced +1,400 to take home the NBA title this season, and a successful trade for Davis should only shorten their odds to bring Hollywood another Larry O'Brien Trophy.