In a segment on the ‘KG Certified’ podcast, Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce gave some bold advice to Lakers big man Anthony Davis. Amid the franchise’s ongoing struggles, Pierce urged Davis to force his way because he could no longer compete for a title with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Paul Pierce: “You can trade D-Lo too and get some draft picks and just let them roll.”
Kevin Garnett: “Hell no. Laker Nation ain’t going for that!”
Paul Pierce: “AD is still good so do him justice and give him an opportunity to go somewhere and play for a title because it’s not happening in LA. Trade him to Miami for something.”
Davis, 31, was drafted 1st overall in 2012. After seven seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, he forced his way to the Lakers in the summer of 2019 in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and multiple draft picks.
In his first campaign as LeBron James’ sidekick, Davis thrived in the frontcourt with averages of 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game on 50.3% shooting. But ever since that 2020 bubble run, which saw L.A. bring home their 17th championship, it’s been downhill for the Purple and Gold.
Last season, after working so hard to get into the playoffs, they were quickly bounced in the first round against a Nuggets team that swept them the year prior. And now, despite a new coach and surprising contributions from rookie Dalton Knecht, the Lakers are mediocre at best with a 13-12 record (10th in the West).
As LeBron James nears retirement, the title window is gradually closing for the Lakers. If Davis wants to win another championship, he may be better off leaving before the last of his best years are wasted on an uncompetitive Lakers team.
As for where Davis might go, that much is still a mystery. As a max-level superstar in his early 30s (turns 32 in March) it somewhat limits where he can go that would make sense.
One potentially volatile option is the Golden State Warriors. It’s no secret that the Dubs are looking to add some help next to Stephen Curry, and Davis could be the perfect fit. At 6’10”, the 5x All-Defensive star could slide into center next to Draymond Green and the two would no doubt cause major problems for opposing offenses.
The Miami Heat could be an underdog in any sweepstakes for Davis. They’ve been involved in many trade rumors this season and it indicates the franchise is open to making some major changes. What if, instead of trading Jimmy Butler, the Heat added more pieces around him to make one last title push? Davis would be a seismic, albeit expensive, option for them.
As it stands, there are many teams that could put Davis in a better position to win a championship. The Lakers just aren’t built for the future and by the time that No. 23 retires (possibly this summer) they’ll be on the path to a major rebuild.
Davis doesn’t deserve to spend the last of his prime in that sort of environment and Paul Pierce says he should consider cutting ties once and for all.
For now, all the big man can do is wait and see how it plays out. Fortunately, their next game is at home, against the Memphis Grizzlies at 9:30 PM EST. After that, they are slated to hit the road for a game against the Sacramento Kings on December 19th, at 10:00 PM EST at Golden 1 Center.
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