Anthony Davis’ Future: Will He Be the Next LA Lakers Icon?

As the 2020 free agency period looms on the horizon, the basketball world is abuzz with speculation over Anthony Davis' future. The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be the frontrunners, but the situation remains complex and fluid. Let's break down what we know and what fans are hoping for.

The Current Situation

Anthony Davis, a 6'11" versatile center from Louisiana, has been playing for the Los Angeles Lakers since 2019. As of now, barring any extraordinary circumstances, he's expected to remain with the Lakers for the upcoming season. However, the dynamics could shift due to his current agent, Rich Paul.

Trade Possibilities and Preferred Teams

According to recent information, Anthony Davis’ preferred destination is either the Los Angeles Lakers or the New York Knicks. The Lakers have already made a significant offer, while the Knicks are unlikely to dismantle their team in pursuit of Davis. New Orleans Pelicans' David Griffin, who favors Brandon Ingram, is another key figure in this saga.

The Lakers' Offer

Rich Paul, Davis’ agent, has clearly stated that Anthony Davis has his mind set on 2020 free agency. This means that Davis is essentially a one-year rental. As a result, the Lakers are believed to have the upper hand. They recently brought up three first-round draft picks, Lonzo Ball, and Brandon Ingram in their offer to Davis. The Lakers are set to make another significant move during this off-season.

The Knicks' Policy

The Knicks have already used their 3rd pick in the 2019 NBA draft for RJ Barrett. With Kyrie Irving potentially joining the Brooklyn Nets and Kevin Durant out for the year with an Achilles injury, the Knicks are likely to focus on building around their current assets rather than trading for Davis.

Trade Talks and Market Analysis

New Orleans Pelicans have initiated serious trade talks with both the Lakers and the Celtics. They are looking for a high first-round pick in return for Anthony Davis. The Pelicans' offer includes their 4th pick, which the Lakers can leverage in a potential deal.

Lakers' Assets and Capabilities

The Lakers are in a strong position with enough assets to make a deal with the Pelicans. Rich Paul has acknowledged this, but he has also warned other teams that if they are interested in Davis, they need to be prepared for a one-year rental deal. The Lakers are favorably positioned, given that Kyrie Irving is also set to enter free agency, providing them with additional leverage.

Other Potential Suited Teams

While the Celtics are also in trade talks, their situation is more complicated. The loss of Kyrie Irving would severely impact their rebuild. Other potential interested parties might be less likely to take the gamble on a one-year rental given the complexities of the 2020 free agency market.

Conclusion

Anthony Davis is a key figure in next year's NBA landscape. With his agent's clear stance and the Lakers' strong position, it seems likely that Davis will continue his journey with the Lakers. However, the situation remains dynamic, and only time will tell. What is certain is that any move involving Anthony Davis will be a significant event in the NBA world.

If the Lakers can successfully secure Davis for the 2020 season, it could be a transformative move for their team. The combination of LeBron James and Anthony Davis could elevate the Lakers to new heights, making them strong contenders for the 2020 NBA championship.