Rocio Robles
It is no secret that The Los Angeles Lakers have been a complete failure in this NBA season, and Anthony Davis has been singled out as one of the culprits; not only for his extended absences during the last two seasons, but also because even when he has been on the court, he has not been able to reach the level he showed in the 2019-2020 season, where they were league champions.
Right now, the Frank Vogel-led team is on the brink of elimination from the play-in tournament, with the San Antonio Spurs in 10th-place holding a two-game lead. A tiebreaker should occur between the two teams’ in case records are even on the final day of the regular season. Many people believe that, if the Lakers decide to let off someone to fix their roster difficulties, Russell Westbrook will be the victim. However, Anthony Davis has an even bigger market than the 32-year-old veteran and could receive better offers.
In this list, we bring four teams that could be candidates to take the All-Star should his departure from the Lakers materialize.
Toronto Raptors
Of all the teams on this list, the Canadian franchise is the one we see the hardest to attempt a move for Davis, as they have a technically ”complete” team, even though they need a center who can protect the paint. Additionally, they could use a ”superstar”: the last time they did that, in 2019, they ended up becoming champions with Kawhi Leonard on their team. The main doubts are about Pascal Siakam and Anthony Davis fitting as teammates, but it could be worked out, since the two have very different playing styles.
The second question is, how much would Toronto be willing to give? Due to not having an alarming need at present, we’re sure they won’t part with Scottie Barnes or Fred VanVleet; while for Los Angeles, Siakam doesn’t make much sense because of his contract, age and LeBron James-like style. This is where we can point to O.G. Anunoby, the winger, along with Gary Trent Jr. and perhaps Precious Achiuwa together with a couple of draft picks, since they would be a more than tempting offer for the California team.
Thus the Raptors would have a rather competent lineup consisting of VanVleet, Barnes, Siakam and Davis.
Atlanta Hawks
A duo of Anthony Davis and Trae Young would have the ability to compete in the Eastern Conference; however, that would mean Clint Capela would have to be part of the trade and we know the center isn’t enough to convince the Lakers to let go of their superstar. However, pairing him with DeAndre Hunter and even Onyeka Okongwu as the main pieces of the deal, in addition to a couple of draft picks, could do more than enough work.
Despite reaching a Conference final with this current team, Atlanta has had a dip in performance thanks to several starters losing performance, including the Swiss center. With Davis being on the roster, it would be another level of offense and defense under the eight-time All-Star. After losing two important pieces such as Hunter and Okongwu, the question would be how to complement that team. With Atlanta being a large and attractive market for free agents, it could be solved with simplicity.
Dallas Mavericks
Another big market team with a star in need of more support: a pick & roll consisting of Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis would have Dallas fans more than happy in their quest to advance beyond the first round in the playoffs. Mark Cuban is one of those owners who, as soon as they have an opportunity to do something big, they don’t waste it.
The only problem we see here is the comfort with which the Mavs may perceive Davis, a player with problems staying healthy. The team has recently moved on from someone who fits that profile perfectly: Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis was injured throughout his campaigns with Dallas during crucial moments of the season, and never fit with Doncic at his best, defining the divorce of the two with the 2.16m center’s trade to the Wizards a couple of months ago.
Beyond that, the Mavericks have the ability to acquire the University of Kentucky graduate by keeping much of their first-round picks, and by having intriguing prospects like Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith.
New Orleans Pelicans
Life and its coincidences bring us here: Anthony Davis’ first team in his career is one of the ideal places for him to continue his career, now having a much more competitive roster ready to receive the star center, with the participation of Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas, CJ McCollum and Herbert Jones. Note that I did not mention Zion Williamson’s name anywhere, for the following reason:
despite all the injuries that the young Duke University graduate has had, Zion is only 21 years old, and will be in the final year of his contract with the Pelicans in 2023. There have been many rumors going around of his possible departure for several months now, due to him not having interest in continuing with a small market team like New Orleans, as well as having a poor relationship with President of Operations David Griffin.
Zion is the Lakers’ chance for a fresh start, with or without LeBron James in charge and this would be the opportunity Williamson himself would be seeking for himself and his family. It seems too good to be true, doesn’t it? It probably is, but on paper, if the Lakers are no longer interested in continuing with Davis, I see no better understudy to secure their future than Zion Williamson. When healthy, he has only dominated on the court.
