The door is open for the Los Angeles Lakers to trade for Anthony Davis, and the New Orleans Pelicans would want the farm in return.
But what if part of the farm doesn't want to go to his new pasture?
- DAVIS LATEST: Superstar prefers Lakers as long-term destination?
Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball, who likely would be the centerpiece of an L.A. trade for Davis, would prefer not to be moved to New Orleans, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported Monday night.
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1090065872016822272
Elfrid Payton has been the Pelicans' "established" point guard alongside shooting guard Jrue Holiday, and Ball apparently has no interest in fighting for minutes.
Of course, the Lakers don't have to honor Ball's preferences. If trading him to New Orleans is the only way they land Davis, they're doing it.
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However, this report at least could complicate Lakers-Pelicans communications ahead of the Feb. 7 NBA trade deadline, perhaps to the point of shelving talks until the offseason. After all, New Orleans reportedly is intent on waiting until the summer to move Davis unless it's blown away by an offer.
Such a delay would benefit the Boston Celtics, who have the best assets to make a run at Davis but can't trade for him before the deadline unless they deal Kyrie Irving in return.
And if Ball -- who went one pick ahead of Jayson Tatum in the 2017 NBA Draft -- indirectly swings the Davis sweepstakes in Boston's favor, Celtics fans would be particularly delighted.
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