Lakers' best path forward could be without Anthony Davis
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis.
Anthony Davis is one of the most dominant players in the NBA when healthy. He's an elite rebounder, rim protector, interior scorer and one of the best big men in the NBA. However, multiple injury issues have limited his impact on the Los Angeles Lakers throughout his tenure.
Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins thinks the 2024-25 season could be Davis' last with the Lakers.
"I want to see how it goes with JJ Redick," Perkins said. "I'm going to give it until the All-Star break. If JJ Redick is not thriving and Anthony Davis is not playing at an elite level and he's not happy, I wouldn't be surprised if he wants out of LA. I'm gonna give it 'til All-Star break, though."
Davis would likely fetch a hefty return for the Lakers. He can perform at an MVP level when he's healthy and at his best. There would undoubtedly be teams around the NBA that believe they can keep him healthy and engaged. It would also remove one of the strongest voices in the locker room. Redick would then get to embed new talent and strengthen his position as head coach.
When the Lakers acquired Davis in 2019, they saw him as the long-term replacement for LeBron James. Once the superstar forward retired, Davis would become the face of the franchise and be tasked with leading them into a new era. Despite winning a championship in 2020, he has rarely looked capable of leading the team.
Redick will undoubtedly want to try to make things work with the star pairing of James and Davis. However, if the big man does decide to request a trade, it could be a blessing in disguise. The Lakers are short on tradable assets. Moving Davis would allow them to replenish the stockpile while also adding some fresh talent.
It won't look good in terms of optics, but moving on from Davis could be the spark the Lakers need to return to relevancy in the near future.
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