Anthony Davis set to demand trade, but Lakers might miss out – NBA insider

That is according to ESPN insider Stephen A. Smith.

The Pelicans have been poor this season, and are 13th in the NBA Western Conference.

With a record of 22-28, they are extremely unlikely to make it to the playoffs.

And Davis, their standout star, reportedly wants to play for a more competitive team.

This summer he will be offered a supermax contract by the Pelicans, which would see him earn $240million over the next five years.

However, many expect him to reject the deal, which would likely lead to the Pelicans trading him.

His current deal expires at the end of next season, and the franchise is unwilling to let him leave as a free agent.

And Smith declared that there is no doubt as to whether Davis leaves the Pelicans, but suggested he could end up somewhere other than the Lakers.

“I’m concerned right now as to whether or not the Lakers will be able to attract a free agent,” Smith said.

“Because Anthony Davis will want to be traded this summer, I’m just telling you ahead of time.

“Anthony Davis will let the Pelicans know he wants out this summer.

“He will publicly announce he will want to be traded, make no mistake about it.”

Smith then explained that despite Davis wanting to leave, he might not get his own way in regards to where he ends up.

“But the Pelicans still have to co-operate, and he can’t exactly say “I want out but only to the Lakers,” he continued.

“He’s going to want to go to a contender.

“It’s a Boston [Celtics] situation, it’s a Lakers situation, it could potentially be a [Brooklyn] Nets situation.”

source: express.co.uk