In what comes as one of the more definitive blockbuster moves, an NBA analyst suggested that the Los Angeles Lakers could trade big man Anthony Davis for Kyrie Irving.
Irving was one of the marquee trades ahead of the deadline. He was traded to the Dallas Mavericks and amid his comments regarding his future in Dallas, there was an expert opinion that would see him suit up alongside LeBron James, but it would come at the cost of the Lakers losing Davis.
Speaking on ‘The Colin Cowherd Podcast’, NBA analyst Jason Timpf outlined how Davis’ form after his return from injury should be something that the Lakers must consider.
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“If AD cannot return to form, you start to look at potentially him being the vehicle for the Kyrie Irving trade. Maybe you get a Josh Green at Dallas as well, maybe you get one other first-round pick and Jared Vanderbilt is such a good work-hard forward for them. If they can get one other center, you start looking at them as a more offensively focused team behind Kyrie and LeBron, and LeBron when he’s surrounded by really good ball-handlers and shooters, does devote more energy to the defensive end at the four, and he can be really impactful there.”
Prior to his injury against the Denver Nuggets in December, Davis averaged 27.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks. While the numbers haven’t drastically dwindled, there’s no doubt that he will be keen to dish out big performances. although Timpf was still skeptical.
“And if you ask me what are the chances Davis returns to MVP form, then it’s a coin flip or worse.”
Should the trade indeed be possible, it’s only through a sign and trade that the Lakers can land this deal not to mention, a clean salary and Irving joins as a free agent while also giving them a discount.
Anthony Davis Believes The Lakers Can Still Finish In The Top 10
While their record certainly puts them behind the eight ball, Anthony Davis believes the Lakers still have the necessary firepower to make the top 10 and bag a playoff spot.
Speaking to the media after the Lakers’ loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, he was positive that the defeat was still a result of the new-look unit understanding each other on the floor.
Anthony Davis on if he thinks the Lakers can get into the top 10: “I think these guys we have now, we can do it. We just gotta speed up the process. It’d definitely be challenging a little bit. They’re new, and they’re trying to learn the system on both ends of the floor.”
And to prove his point, the team did notch up a convincing 120-102 win over the New Orleans Pelicans after. While one win doesn’t necessarily look convincing, it’s a start for a team that’s got no games to lose.
The Lakers cap off their week with a win, and will gear up to face the Golden State Warriors next after the All-Star break.
Source: fadeawayworld
