Lakers Odds-On Favorites to Acquire Anthony Davis After Trade Request

• Anthony Davis’ agent has informed the Pelicans that his client will not sign long term in NOLA
• The “Rose Rule” puts the Lakers ahead of the Celtics as the favorite to land AD
• What’s the best bet here?

And just like that, things got a little loco in the NBA.

Agent Rich Paul has notified the New Orleans Pelicans that All-NBA forward Anthony Davis has no intention of signing a contract extension if and when presented and that he has requested a trade, Paul told ESPN on Monday.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 28, 2019

Whether or not it’s a death knell for NBA basketball in New Orleans is for another discussion another time. Now, what needs to be determined is where the all-world big man – who’s averaging better than 29 points and 13 rebounds per game – could be headed.

While there was always speculation as to where he might go, the first domino needed to fall. With Davis officially making his plans known, it’s time to fire up the trade machine.

On timing of telling Pelicans now, Rich Paul tells ESPN: "Anthony wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions and that's the reason for informing them of this decision now. That's in the best interests of both Anthony's and the organization's future."

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 28, 2019

The timing gives all interested teams the chance to make a run at AD before the February 7th trade deadline (well, minus one glaring exception, but we’ll get to that shortly).

Odds on Where Anthony Davis Will Play Game 1 of 2019-20

Lakers are Heavy Favorite to Land Davis

We know the connections: Rich Paul represents Davis, part of the Klutch group, which is (in)directly tied to LeBron James.

We also know that LeBron has not made it a secret that he would love to have the All-Star big man in Laker gold.

The Lakers have "failed" if they don't get Anthony Davis, according to Richard Jefferson. pic.twitter.com/j3rne37nKb

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) January 28, 2019

So what is it going to take? New Orleans brass is probably stunned at this outcome, but they are going to need to hit a home run on this deal or their franchise might go belly-up. The Lakers have an impressive core of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart. At this point, all four should be on the table, as would all draft picks.

Here's the trade Magic Johnson should offer, and I assume he will. Lonzo, Ingram, Kuzma, Zubac & Lance (for cap purposes) + 2 unprotected 1sts for Anthony Davis pic.twitter.com/2hbKznjxc6

— nick wright (@getnickwright) January 28, 2019

Los Angeles has a window to make a deal almost exclusively with New Orleans as they boast the most assets – with the Boston Celtics shut out of any potential deals until July 1st. The Rose Rule, as it’s come to be known, allows only one player who was signed to an early extension (basically meeting an all-NBA or MVP level) to be on a roster at the same time.

#Pelicans want to hear from #Celtics before making any decision on where to trade Anthony Davis. #NBA https://t.co/AtDMndXvRg

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) January 28, 2019

Currently, Kyrie Irving occupies that space. It’s not likely that the Pelicans would want Irving in a deal (as he’s a free agent after this season) or that the Celtics would trade him (as he’s their best player and they are competing for a title).

What’s the Best Bet?

It has to be the Lakers, and I think they understand the urgency here. Their deadline is February 7th or they take an L.

After that, Boston gets into the mix, and they would be the overwhelming favorite, able to offer a bevy of draft picks, while willing to part with one or all of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Gordon Hayward. But July 1st is a long way from now.

Anthony Davis is also 3rd on the all-time PER list behind MJ and LeBron 📈 pic.twitter.com/QT1nQXNPOB

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 28, 2019

As mentioned before, the other team that can throw a wrench into Magic Johnson’s plan is the 76ers, who can offer something that the Lakers can’t: a bona fide star in Ben Simmons. Packaged with perhaps Markelle Fultz and a draft package, Simmons could blossom into a superstar on his own team, and New Orleans can (hopefully) build well around him.