Davis dropped the bombshell on the Pelicans today with ESPN reporting that his agent has told the franchise he will reject a new contract and that he wants out.
And the Lakers have a big advantage over the Boston Celtics in the race to sign up the 25-year-old.
The Celtics are unable to sign Davis until July 1 at the earliest due to the Rose Rule, which prohibits them owning both his and Kyrie Irving’s contracts.
The Lakers therefore can move in before then and offer him a package to join now.
‘WELCOME TO THE LAKERS’ FANS REACT TO ANTHONY DAVIS UPDATE
The Lakers could sign Davis before next week’s trade deadline and are expected to make a move in the coming days in an attempt to convince him.
Rich Paul of Klutch Sports represents both Davis and Lakers star LeBron James – and he informed the Pelicans of his client’s decision today.
“Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him a chance to win consistently and compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN.
“Anthony wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions and that’s the reason for informing them of this decision now. That’s in the best interests of both Anthony’s and the organization’s future.”
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted: “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.”
He added: “On timing of telling Pelicans now, Rich Paul tells ESPN: “Anthony wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions and that’s the reason for informing them of this decision now.
“That’s in the best interests of both Anthony’s and the organization’s future.”