The Los Angeles Lakers have underachieved significantly after many had considered them as being among the top NBA title favorites for 2021-22. Now, there’s more of a chance they do not even qualify for the play-in tournament in the Western Conference than hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy.
A significant factor in the Lakers’ struggles has been Anthony Davis. He hasn’t lived up to expectations when he’s been on the court, but the larger issue at large has been the consistent lack of availability he’s faced due to injuries.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, it remains unlikely the Lakers look to trade Anthony Davis in the offseason. The goal when finalizing the trade to acquire him with the New Orleans Pelicans was to keep him paired with LeBron James for “as long as that pairing could stand.”
I don’t think they will (trade him) at all, from what I’ve been told and the fact that what they gave up to New Orleans to get him… I mean the Lakers went all-in on pairing Anthony Davis with the Bron for as long as that pairing could stand and I’d be shocked if it came to a close this offseason.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Randle, Lakers, Davis, Westbrook, Pacers, More
In a scenario where building around LeBron James and Anthony Davis remains the priority for the Los Angeles Lakers, it will be challenging to re-tool to the level of returning as NBA title favorites.
The Russell Westbrook contract will keep the Lakers restricted on what they can do in terms of offseason moves. He’s a negative asset to the point of requiring assets to be included in a deal to move on from him—adding further complexity to it all.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Randle, Lakers, Davis, Westbrook, Pacers, More
Whether the Los Angeles Lakers ever return to the NBA Finals with LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the helm, one thing will not change; the winner of the 2020 NBA Finals.
