The Los Angeles Lakers were dealt a major blow recently when superstar big man Anthony Davis suffered a foot injury. Though Davis’ absence significantly reduces the team’s chances of success on the court, it may actually help the Lakers complete a trade.
According to an NBA executive, Anthony Davis’ injury could possibly help the Lakers in trade negotiations
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According to a recent report, Davis‘ injury may end up providing the Lakers with much-needed leverage in trade talks as the Feb. 9 trade deadline approaches.
“Another rival said that if negotiated properly, he felt the Davis injury could actually help the Lakers’ position in trade talks,” the Los Angeles Times’ Dan Woike wrote. “The team’s sought leverage in talks since the summer, with much of the league viewing them as ‘desperate’ to make some kind of trade.
“That, plus the early-season timing of any talks, has kept the asking price really high. This executive thought a Davis injury of any real severity would give the Lakers leverage they haven’t had since the summer by giving them a very real reason to shut down talks and focus on the offseason.”
Woike’s reference to desperation stems from the fact that the Lakers are still in a win-now mode due to the presence of Davis and fellow superstar LeBron James on the roster.
The Lakers have a disappointing 13-18 record this season, but Davis and James are still regarded as one of the league’s best duos.
Even the playoffs appear out of reach at this point in the team’s development. However, if the Lakers’ front office can make moves to add even moderate talent to the roster, the team’s fortunes could quickly change.
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Teams may be more willing to deal with Los Angeles now that the team appears to be less of a threat with Davis on the sidelines.
In terms of Davis, there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the star and his current foot injury. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin provided a brief update on Davis’ situation on Wednesday.
“He’s not wearing a boot on the foot currently,” he said. “Right now, I’m told the team is continuing to seek second opinion, third opinion in order to figure out a course of action to get his foot right.”
At the moment, not only is Davis’ situation uncertain, but so is the Lakers’ 2022-23 season in general. If specialists determine that Davis will be out for several months, the team may be forced to end the season early.
However, if the Lakers make a significant trade or two, and if Davis is able to return in the near future, the final months of the current season could be very interesting for the Purple and Gold. There isn’t much for Lakers fans to do right now except wait and see.
