The stunning report comes from NBA expert Adrian Wojnarowski, who spoke to Paul about Davis’ desire to leave.
He wrote on Twitter: “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.”
Wojnarowski then quoted Paul as saying: “Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him the chance to win consistently and compete for a championship.
“Anthony wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions and that’s the reason for informing them of this decision now.
‘WELCOME TO THE LAKERS’ FANS THINK THEY KNOW WHERE ANTHONY DAVIS IS GOING
“That’s in the best interests of both Anthony’s and the organization’s future.”
Paul is the long-time agent of LeBron James, who is desperate for Davis to join him at the Lakers.
The Pelicans can offer Davis a supermax deal worth $240million in the summer.
But the 25-year-old, a five-time All-Star, has repeatedly held off making a decision on his future until now.
Anthony Davis has requested a trade and told the Pelicans he has no intention of signing a deal (Image: GETTY)
The Lakers are the favourites to get him now if they put forward an enticing enough offer.
The NBA trade deadline closes on February 7 so the Lakers face a race to convince the Pelicans.
Wojnarowski later went on TV and said: “The Lakers will be very much in this.
“They are going to be aggressive.
Will Anthony Davis and LeBron James be team-mates soon (Image: GETTY)
“The plan had been in LA to sign a big free agent this summer and then use their assets to make a trade for Davis.”
The Pelicans are currently 13th in the Western Conference and have lost their last three games.
Last month, Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said they had no intention of letting Davis leave.
“We’re not trading him,” he said.
“I can say that to the world. We’re not going to trade him, no matter what. That’s not an option.”
Anthony Davis is averaging 29 points this season (Image: GETTY)
Last week, NBA legend Reggie Miller claimed the Pelicans could be enticed into a trade for Davis if Kyle Kuzma is put in a package.
“That would be huge if they could get Anthony Davis,” Miller said on The Dan Patrick Show.
“I’m hearing rumblings in New Orleans.
“The whole finger issue, granted I think he is hurt, but if they get a chance to get Anthony Davis to play alongside LeBron James…
Rich Paul (L) and LeBron James want Anthony Davis at the Lakers (Image: GETTY)
“When LeBron comes back, it’s not etched in stone that they’re going to go on another run.
“They had just built up playing together and playing well when he went down.
“What are they now? Five and nine without him and now they’re in 10th place in the Western Conference.
“No Ball for another month and Rondo is on the verge of coming back.
Anthony Davis is currently out with a finger injury (Image: GETTY)
“It’s time maybe for Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka to make a big move.
“The question is, who are you going to give up?
“To me personally, Kuzma can not be in the deal but I have a feeling he will be.
“He will be in the deal. Who has been the best player on the Lakers besides LeBron James? He [Kuzma] has to be in the deal unfortunately.”
Anthony Davis was the first overall pick in the NBA draft by New Orleans Pelicans in 2012 (Image: GETTY)
In 2012, Davis was the first pick overall in the NBA draft by New Orleans but they have only made the playoffs twice since he arrived.
This season, Davis is averaging 29.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks for the Pelicans.
Davis has missed the past four games with a finger injury but could return this week.
He injured the finger swiping at the ball as Portland Trail Blazers’ Zach Collins held it on the wing and immediately grabbed at his hand after making contact with Collins’ arm.
Anthony Davis: LeBron James wants the move (Image: GETTY)
A lot has been made of the Lakers possibly trading for Davis, with NBA icon Shawn Marion claim the deal could hinder Luke Walton’s side.
“If he [James] wants him, he’s going to try and get him,” Marion exclusively told Express Sport.
“It’s possible, but they’re going to have to give up a big portion of their team in order to get him.
“Some of the pieces they are going to get rid of is what they’re going to need to beat somebody in the post season.
“They can’t give away a whole team to go and get Davis. It would be hard for just those two to win.”