Having previously resisted breaking up their young core for Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in recent years, the Los Angeles Lakers face the possibility yet again as Anthony Davis requested a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Although the earliest he would become a free agent is by opting out after next season, Davis has long been rumored to be a Lakers’ target. He signed a five-year, $145 million contract extension in July 2015 but isn’t interested in inking a five-year, $240 million supermax deal this summer.
Davis’ request may have created a bit of an uncomfortable setting within the Pelicans organization, but they’ve made it clear the team will move forward on their terms.