Warriors named landing spot for disrespected $186 million ex-Lakers superstar

Warriors named landing spot for disrespected $186 million ex-Lakers superstar originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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It would be difficult to stumble across a Golden State Warriors offseason rumor that doesn’t feature Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James. 

The Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes haven’t gone as planned thus far, likely forcing the Dubs to pivot to the 6-foot-9 age-defying phenomenon with four championships to his name. 

However, USA Today’s Marcus D. Smith believes there’s a disrespected former Lakers standout contributor who could also be of interest to Golden State as they attempt to take their roster to the next level.

“(Marc J.) Spears said it’s worth (Golden State) taking a stab at the Wizards‘ recently acquired forward-center (Anthony Davis),” Smith wrote Thursday. 

“Rumors swirled that Davis wanted out of Washington the moment he was traded to D.C. However, in an interview with The Athletic, Davis expressed intent to be the nation’s capital … but left open the desire to go elsewhere.”

During an early-April appearance on the Draymond Green show, Davis didn’t mince his words on the disrespect he felt from the Lakers after failing to notify him about the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade in advance, and his feelings are valid. 

Los Angeles could have taken the time to let Davis know they were considering sending him to the Dallas Mavericks for Doncic, given that the 10-time All-Star was an integral part of the organization’s offense for 5.5 years and had earned the right to be clued in on its behind-the-scenes activity. 

That said, it doesn’t change the fact that the Lakers ultimately made the right move, as the Mavericks cut Davis loose this past February after failing to get the production they were hoping for. Would it make sense for the Warriors to pursue the Kentucky product if the Wizards move on from him this summer? 

Not necessarily, given that it only takes one violent fall to the hardwood for Davis to suffer a significant injury that’ll sideline him for several contests.

Davis is a double-double machine who erases shots at the rim at a high clip when healthy, but the availability concern may be strong enough for Golden State to look elsewhere for a frontcourt upgrade.

More NBA news:

• Rockets predicted to swap ex-Lakers disgruntled forward for $285 million Celtics star

• Lakers rumor is good news for Luka Doncic, bad news for LeBron James

• Lakers predicted to cut ties with Dalton Knecht, acquire $175 million two-time MVP