Insider Reveals Lakers Quietly Explored Sending Anthony Davis to Celtics Following Ex-Champ's Fitness Concern & Demand for Center Depth

NBA: Preseason-Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn
The Lakers wanted to trade Anthony Davis to the Celtics (Image Source: IMAGN)

Anthony Davis had a memorable run with the LA Lakers. During his six years on the squad, Davis contributed to the team's NBA championship. However, their partnership ended when he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic last season.

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According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, AD didn't have the best relationship with the organization during their final year together. Siegel stated that his fitness troubles and incapacity to maintain his health caused problems for the organization. Davis was in and out of the lineup due to various injuries.

The Lakers also didn't like how he demanded that the team pursue another big man. Last season, AD was interviewed by ESPN's Shams Charania and said that he believes LA needs another big man. The former Kentucky standout indicated a desire to play power forward and said he has always played best in that role.

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Siegel wrote that general manager Rob Pelinka considered trading him to the franchise's longtime rival, the Boston Celtics. However, that did not happen, but Davis' time in LA still ended via trade.

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"Of the teams that the Lakers spoke with when they were first putting out feelers for Davis, the Boston Celtics held a couple of calls with Los Angeles, sources said," Siegel wrote. "Nothing ever progressed to where there was any actual momentum, but Los Angeles was receiving signals that Brad Stevens and his front office were receptive to the idea."
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The Celtics reportedly told their rival that they'd keep the trade idea in mind. But it never materialized for Boston.

On the other hand, Davis is now part of the Mavericks and has appeared in five games, averaging 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds. Unfortunately for Dallas, it's the same story with AD. Due to a calf strain, he has missed seven games in a row, making it impossible for him to play for his new squad.

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Two other Eastern Conference teams were interested in a trade with the Lakers

The Lakers were ready to part ways with Davis last season. However, what they had in mind was an offseason deal. Aside from the Celtics, the franchise also received interest from two other Eastern Conference teams. Siegel wrote that the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks were intrigued by trading AD.

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The Cavaliers had the best record in the East last season. The Bucks, meanwhile, had the star duo of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The addition of Davis would've changed the dynamics of the conference.

However, the Mavericks offered Doncic in the middle of the season, an offer the Lakers couldn't pass up. The squad acted to get a new superstar as soon as they realized Dallas was serious.

Boston Celtics Nation! You can check out the latest Boston Celtics Schedule and dive into the Celtics Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.

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Edited by Reign Amurao
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