Just a few years ago, the Lakers traded away most of their young core, and several picks, for star big man Anthony Davis — a 25 and 10 guy who can stretch the floor and play both sides of the court.
While Davis is still seen as an elite big man by most, his value as a player (and on the trade market especially) is not what it used to be.
Oh sure, they could make some minor moves around the edges of the roster, but that won’t be enough to save the day. They could always trade Davis — but his history of injuries won’t exactly have opposing teams mortgaging the farm. Far from it.
One rival executive told Hoops Wire that Davis has less value as a trade commodity now than he’s ever had, and “considerably so.”
Davis, 28, has always had trouble staying on the court. Over his 9-year career, he has only played 70 or more games in a season twice. Over the past two seasons with the Lakers, he has only played 73 games total.
An aging LeBron James and questions about Russell Westbrook’s fit have only highlighted Davis’ absence for a Lakers team that desperately needs him.
“I didn’t want to say this, because I have mad love and respect for Anthony Davis,” said Stephen A. Smith. “I still think this brother is a star, he’s averaging 23 and 9 and shooting better than 50% from the field. But just 16% from three-point range, 11-65 this year. just atrocious three-point shooting. Ladies and gentlemen, we gonna talk about the Lakers beyond this season. They have to trade Anthony Davis. You don’t keep Anthony Davis, here’s why: his value is his value as a player, but durability is a question mark at age 28. As you get older, those durability questions are going to be even more prevalent. So when you think about how his stock is going to be as high as it’s ever going to be, isn’t that right now? And if you’re looking at LeBron James and the fact that you need additional pieces, Anthony Davis is the guy that you can get a lot for.”
The Lakers are currently 9th in the West with a 27-35 record overall. Despite their struggles, there is still hope of making a playoff run.
All it might take is some good luck and good health to get the team back on track.
Sadly, Davis has proven unreliable so far and the trade options are quickly dwindling for Rob Pelinka and the front office.
