Anthony Davis thrust into trade rumours as Lakers nightmare worsens

The Lakers’ horror start to the season has thrust one superstar into the trade mix - and it’s left experts seething at the franchise.

AD’s time could be up. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP

The Los Angeles Lakers nightmare start to the season has sent the NBA rumour mill into a spin.

Throughout the offseason the chatter was underway regarding the team shipping out MVP point guard Russell Westbrook.

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Westbrook’s struggles on the court have been glaring and many believed the only way forward for the Lakers was to cut the cord and remove him from the team.

After a slight power struggle, Westbrook moved to an off-the-bench role in recent games and has flourished ever since.

Westbrook may be providing newfound value, but it hasn’t removed him from trade talks. What it has done however is divert more attention onto fellow star teammate Anthony Davis.

Despite producing at a quality level, Davis is averaging 22.5 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game, it’s his injury-prone history that is causing concern.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons believes the noise surrounding Davis is growing and if the Lakers can’t find a deal for Westbrook, Davis could be let go.

“There’s some buzz, some buzzing that AD might be available,” Simmons said on his podcast.

“That’s plan B because the Westbrook trade, or whatever they think they can get for Westbrook and whether you want to give up future assets, maybe that doesn’t even make sense because what are you getting if you’re the Lakers?”

“We’ve got Davis here, who I don’t think has looked the same for a couple years, certainly not close to bubble Davis (2020). That’s the last time we saw vintage 2018 (New Orleans) Pelicans-level Davis.”

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor joined Simmons on the podcast and believes the Knicks would be the most sensible trade partner for Davis.

AD’s time could be up. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP

As the chatter continues to grow, Fox Sports’ Nick Wright said the Lakers board should be dragged over the coals for even contemplating the trade.

“This is cataclysmic failure by the Lakers organisation that this is on the board,” Wright told First Things First.

“At what point does any of this fall on (Lakers owner) Jeanie Buss‘ doorstep? That she gave (general manager) Rob Pelinka a contract extension and his big move this off-season was what? Bringing in Lonnie Walker? Letting Malik Monk go?

“This is a series of disastrous decisions that have led to this place where they’re holding meetings evidently (discussing): ‘Should we trade Anthony Davis?’

“No, you should find a way to get the most out of Anthony Davis and surround him with the complimentary pieces that allow you to compete for a title, like you had three years ago. Instead they’ve gone in the other direction.

“So no, I wouldn’t trade Anthony Davis. The fact that it’s on the board is mortifying for the franchise.”

Standing on the outside looking in. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The Lakers are currently languishing in 14th place in the Western Conference in a season many believed they’d push high up in the playoff race.

After starting their season with five-straight losses, the Lakers bounced back by winning back-to-back games against the Denver Nuggers and New Orleans Pelicans.

Just as fans fears were starting to disappear, the organisation lost its next three games. Two coming against the Utah Jazz.

The Lakers will return to the hardwood on Thursday when they take on Los Angeles rivals the Clippers at 2pm (AEDT).

Originally published as Anthony Davis thrust into trade rumours as Lakers nightmare worsens