Lakers told to trade ALL of their young players for Anthony Davis, LeBron James behind it
LOS ANGELES LAKERS must trade all of their young players and give up whatever picks necessary to land Anthony Davis, NBA hero Paul Pierce claims.
The Lakers are keen to sign New Orleans Pelicans big man Davis before Thursday’s trade deadline.
Their first offer included Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, Michael Beasley and a first-round pick.
However, New Orleans were underwhelmed and ordered the Lakers to try again.
The Lakers have since made another proposal offering multiple young players and draft picks, as well as proposing salary cap relief in exchange for Davis.
We’re playing with LeBron’s last three years, go all in
They are desperate to partner Davis with LeBron James in LA to challenge for championships during The King’s time with the Lakers.
And former NBA star Pierce has urged the Lakers to give in to the Pelicans’ demands to get Davis.
“You don’t play around with this,” Pierce told ESPN’s The Jump.
“You get this generational player over here and pair him with LeBron and we’ll figure out the rest later.”
NBA: Boston should ‘intrigue’ Anthony Davis says Paul Pierce
When asked if he’d give up all of the Lakers’ young stars and as many draft picks as necessary, Pierce added: “Everybody! Let’s go.
“We’re playing with LeBron’s last three years, go all in.”
Davis has a four-team shortlist of possible landing spots either before the trade deadline or this summer.
The 25-year-old would be willing to sign with the Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks or New York Knicks long term.
However, Pierce insists the Lakers are more likely to land Davis than the Clippers.
When asked about the chances of the Clippers bringing Davis to LA, Pierce added: “The Clippers aren’t as attractive as the Lakers.”
While the Lakers are desperate to land Davis, it’s claimed Magic Johnson and co are feeling increasingly pessimistic over their chances of completing a trade.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne says the Lakers feel the Pelicans are unwilling to agree a deal.
She said: “So far, the Lakers have felt conversations with New Orleans have been one-sided and they are growing increasingly pessimistic about the Pelicans willingness to do a deal with them.”