Celtics Join Lakers as Favorites to Sign Anthony Davis in 2019

By Ryan Metivier in NBA Basketball
Updated: April 27, 2020 at 11:59 am EDTPublished:

- The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are now each +200 co-favorites to land Anthony Davis in 2019
- Could AD team up with Kyrie in Boston?
- Or could a Bron and Brow tandem shake up the West?
New Orleans Pelicans’ star Anthony Davis is currently under contract with the Pelicans, however rumors are swirling this could be his last season in the Big Easy. With sources claiming Davis would consider a move to one of the Lakers, Celtics, Knicks or 76ers, odds have been released as to where AD will be playing when the 2019-20 season tips off.
Odds on Which Team Anthony Davis Signs with for 2019-20 Season
Team | Odds |
---|---|
Boston Celtics | +200 |
Los Angeles Lakers | +200 |
New Orleans Pelicans | +400 |
Golden State Warriors | +700 |
New York Knicks | +1000 |
Philadelphia 76ers | +1000 |
Houston Rockets | +1500 |
Washington Wizards | +1500 |
Field | +300 |
Celtics Taking Money to Land Davis
Kyrie Irving gave Boston fans something to cheer about when he recently announced he plans to re-sign with the team next summer. Naturally, he’s looking for a running mate and word is he’s approached Davis about joining him in the Eastern Conference.
Celtics' Kyrie Irving spoke with Pelicans' Anthony Davis about teaming up in Boston, per reporthttps://t.co/zh2raCqo0b pic.twitter.com/GVOcz6TQAi
— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) October 5, 2018
A move to the Celtics, who finished 55-27 in the regular season and lost in the Conference Finals last year, would certainly set him up for years of winning.
The Celtics already have a strong core and play in the much weaker East, where they could likely pencil themselves into at least the Conference Finals for the next number of years with the addition of AD.
Will AD Join Bron in LA?
The Lakers were clear favorites to land AD earlier this month after Davis made headlines by signing with Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, who just happens to represent the Lakers’ LeBron James.
Welcome to the Family @AntDavis23!!!!! #Klutch ✊🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/secLjwl8oU
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2018
Although Davis seems confused as to how the rumors started when speaking with ESPN’s The Jump, it’s not too hard to make the connection.
“You hear it everywhere. And it’s funny. How did that even happen? … But in my head, I don’t pay attention to it. I look at what I have now, and what I can do now, and it’s helping my team win.

LeBron and Davis together would instantly make the Lakers legitimate title contenders and threats to go head-to-head with the Warriors in the West. Joining the Lakers could set AD up for the playoff success his career has been missing until recently and the opportunity to be the face of the Lakers once LeBron’s career winds down.
Bet On Davis Heading West
From a financial standpoint, Davis would be best served staying put in NOLA and becoming the highest-paid player in the league. New Orleans is the only team who can offer him a super-max contract of five years and $235 million next summer. The Pels’ roster though may not look as enticing as some of the league’s elite. For starters, New Orleans has missed the playoffs in four of Davis’ six seasons.
Anthony Davis says it's his turn. Not next. Now.
I went to his hometown of Chicago to ask why he's been saying he's the NBA's best player (better than LeBron & KD?), what he thinks the Pelicans can do in the West, and yes, those Lakers rumors. Bonus: some @AntDavis23 trivia too. pic.twitter.com/uWw2c9KuCD— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) October 12, 2018
Listen to his interview above and you get the sense his next career move will be more about establishing his legacy and not about the money. AD wants to win and he wants to be seen as the best player in the league. Where could that legacy grow more than in LA where he could play alongside arguably the greatest player of all-time and look to dethrone the Warriors.
“Honestly, I see myself as the best player in the league, most dominant player in the league,” Davis told ESPN’s Rachel Nichols. “I just think it’s time for that step, you only get a short window, I don’t want that window to close so I think my time is now.”

Sports Editor
Ryan is SBD's resident soccer pro, though his repertoire is by no means limited to a single sport. His articles have been published by the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the Kitchener Rangers, and outlets like SportsXpress and Shredthespread.com