In the aftermath of a bitter defeat against the Denver Nuggets, Anthony Davis is feeling the full extent of fan frustration for his inconsistent play. While Davis can look dominant at times, there are moments he becomes invisible on offense and that was much the case on Monday when he scored 21 points on just 40% shooting. Based on talent alone, AD is one of the best in the league but it’s rare for him to put together a long stretch of games where he is playing at an elite level.
For this reason, many in Lakers Nation have warmed to the idea of saying goodbye to Davis in favor of pieces to help them build up the future. Speaking on ‘Hoops Tonight,’ NBA analyst Colin Cowherd suggested one deal with the Knicks that could involve Julius Randle and RJ Barrett.
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“AD has got a year left then I think a player option… something like that. This is the longest stretch of not being hurt. I think you have to at least take phone calls. I always say this in the NFL, there’s only five quarterbacks I would not take a call on. I think you gotta take a call on AD. I look at a team like the New York Knicks. Could you get an RJ Barrett and Julius Randle? That sounds horrible, but RJ is going to give me a lot of games. Randle is going to give me a lot of games. Between the two, I’m gonna get fairly consistent points.”
The Knicks are still riding the high from their run to the Conference Semi-Finals this season and Jalen Brunson has convinced many that he can be the guy for that team. But even with AD’s flaws, he’d be the best player on the Knicks by a mile and his talent alongside Jalen Brunson, Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart, and others might be enough to make the Knicks legitimate contenders in the East.
Will The Lakers Move On From Davis?
Obviously, the Lakers have no imminent plans to trade Anthony Davis but things could get to that point if LeBron James decides to follow through on the retirement option. Even if not, Davis’ inconsistency has many fans wondering if LeBron would be better off with a different co-star.
This summer, these are the questions Rob Pelinka will have to answer as he considers the path ahead for the franchise.