It Sounds Like Lakers Are Getting Closer to Potential Anthony Davis Trade

The Lakers have reportedly offered their most compelling trade package yet.

Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans
Getty

Image via Getty/Chris Graythen

Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans

Since Anthony Davis announced that he wanted out of New Orleans, a handful of teams have been trying to land the superstar center. But on Monday, Davis' team let it be known that he would only sign with a handful of teams if traded.

Per The Athletic's Shams Charania, representatives for the All-Star told the Pelicans' front office that their client would only sign a long-term deal with the Lakers, Knicks, Bucks, or Clippers. 

Anthony Davis’ representatives have informed the Pelicans that he would sign long-term with the Lakers, Knicks, Bucks and Clippers if he is traded, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2019

Despite his list, the Los Angeles Lakers are still believed to be the front-runners to snag Davis. Up until Davis' trade request, LeBron James had been publicly courting the talented big man. The two stars, who share the same manager, are said to have a great off-court relationship in addition to the Lakers being a franchise that would be an automatic championship contender with the addition of AD. In the latest developement in their pursuit of Davis, the Lakers have reportedly put together their most enticing package yet, Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

The Lakers have offered a new package to New Orleans that includes multiple young players, multiple draft picks and Pelicans salary cap relief for Anthony Davis, league sources tell ESPN. The offer appears to move closer to the objectives that the Pelicans are pursuing in a deal.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 4, 2019

The Los Angeles Times' Brad Turner reports that the package includes Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley and two first round picks.

Landed in Indy; update on Lakers-Pelicans talks. Magic Johnson, Dell Demps talked twice today, per source. Lakers willing to give Pelicans cap relief for Anthony Davis by taking Solomon Hill for Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Ingram, Rondo, Lance Stephenson, Beasley, 2 1st round picks.

— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) February 4, 2019

Adding to the speculation that a trade might be near, was LeBron's cryptic Super Bowl tweet, in which he called out all the popular NBA journalists who break news for a living.

Man where Shams, Woj, Haynes, McMenamin at????.... 🤷🏾‍♂️

— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 4, 2019

 With the Feb. 7 trade deadline looming, a deal could happen at any moment. Buckle up.

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