NBA Rumors: Can Lakers Trade Anthony Davis To Knicks For Julius Randle, Kevin Knox?
The Los Angeles Lakers accomplished exactly what they set out to do this summer: they acquired Anthony Davis.
After a lot of talk and tons of speculation throughout the entirety of last year, Rob Pelinka delivered what Magic Johnson could not.
The Lakers ultimately traded away Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and the No. 4 pick in this past year’s draft.
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In addition, the Lakers sent the Pelicans a 2021 reverse top-eight protected first-rounder (which turns into a 2022 unprotected first-rounder if it doesn’t convey in two years), a 2023 first-round pick swap and a 2024 unprotected first-rounder they can push to 2025, should they want to.
Beyond that, the Lakers also sent the Washington Wizards Mo Wagner, Jemerrio Jones and Isaac Bonga, along with a 2022 second-round pick.
In return, Los Angeles got the superstar they have long coveted – Davis.
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Presumably the combination of Davis, LeBron James, DeMarcus Cousins and so forth will be enough for the Lakers to at least compete for a title.
But what if something goes wrong?
What if last year’s injury to James was not an aberration, but an indicator that his body is breaking down as he gets older?
Davis is still set to become a free agent in 2020, and if things don’t go as planned with L.A., it would not be that shocking to see him pull a Dwight Howard.
Don’t forget, Davis and his team expressed interest in the New York Knicks back when he was still with the Pelicans.
Also, in a recent report, New York Daily News reporter Marc Berman indicated that “Rich Paul, Davis’ agent, likes the idea of his client in New York” should things not work out with James in L.A.
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So let’s play that scenario out.
Let’s say things go terribly wrong for the Lakers and Davis indicates he will not re-sign. The team has completely mortgaged the future for him at this point, so letting him walk for nothing would be absolutely insane.
A sign-and-trade would at least salvage something for Pelinka and Co.
Who could the Knicks give up? Perhaps some combination of Randle, Mitchell Robinson and/or Kevin Knox? Maybe RJ Barrett, depending on how he looks this season?
Obviously this whole scenario is a bit far-fetched, but stranger things have happened in the NBA.
It’s going to be an interesting season.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
Lmaoooo itd be hilarious if this really happened
Already happening bro
cousins already hurt, Lakers gonna get wrecked by injuries and ad gonna dip.
This seems unlikely but weirder shit has happened.
ppl said Dwight wasn’t gonna leave either
This team will be ravaged by injuries. AD will 100 % get out when they fail to make the playoffs again.
I mean Cousins is already hurt and Anthony Davis has proven he cant stay healthy. Would not surprise me in the least if this team collapsed under the pressure yet again.