Anthony Davis Trade: 3 players the Los Angeles Lakers should include in trade talks

In the days leading up to the February trade deadline, Anthony Davis surprised the NBA by announcing that he would be turning down the New Orleans Pelicans' $240 million, five-year extension, while also demanding an immediate trade.

In light of the surprise development, the Lakers made a number of offers, with a final package consisting of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Ivica Zubac, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and two first-round draft picks.

However, Pelicans management didn't even respond to the Lakers offer, and instead made the decision to wait and see what rival teams would offer during the summer. The Lakers have since stated that their summer offer won't match the package that was put together in February, and this opens the question as to which Lakers will be included in any future offers.

So, as we approach the postseason, here we will look at the three players that the Lakers should include in Anthony Davis trade talks.

#3 Moritz Wagner

Wagner has yet to impress for the Los Angeles Lakers

Moritz Wagner was selected with the 25th overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Lakers, and after failing to see the court in his rookie season, the German has found a spot in Luke Walton's rotation.

Nevertheless, despite the February departure of Ivaca Zubac and the poor form of both Tyson Chandler and JaVale McGee, the 22-year-old has failed to show Lakers management that he could be a future starter, and he is unlikely to figure in the teams long term plans.

In addition to Anthony's impending departure, Julius Randle could also leave the Pelicans this summer as the 24-year-old has an upcoming player option. This would leave the team short on bigs, and with Wagner unlikely to spend much time on the court with the Lakers, including him in a deal for Davis looks to be a no brainer.

#2 Josh Hart

Josh Hart has struggled to find form in 2019

Despite being the least talked about member of the Lakers Young Core, Josh Hart started the season in fine form. In the early stages of the season, Hart benefited from the arrival of LeBron James, as his skillset looked to be a natural fit alongside the 15-time All-Star.

Thanks to a string of impressive performances, the 24-year-old quickly forced himself into Luke Walton's starting lineup, although since the turn of the year, Hart's form has deserted him, resulting in a return to the reserve unit.

In his second season in the NBA, Hart has continued to struggle offensively, and the shooting guard is currently shooting just over 40% from the floor. He has also struggled for consistency from beyond the arc and Hart is yet to become the two-way force that many backed him to develop into. At 24, Hart is likely to improve, although the chances of him developing into a starting caliber player on a contending team look slim, and the Lakers should include him in any trade package for Davis.

#1 Kyle Kuzma

Kuzma has been a regular source of points since his arrival in 2017

Kyle Kuzma is only trailing LeBron James in points-per-game for the Lakers this season, and there are few doubts that the 23-year-old will soon develop into a player that regularly averages at least 20 points per game over the course of a season. Nevertheless, while Kuzma continues to develop into an offensive force, his all-around game is weaker than that of both Lonzo Ball or Brandon Ingram.

His defense has improved since entering the league two years ago, although despite his 6 ft 9 in frame, Kuzma continues to struggle in matchups against the NBA's best offensive players.

The 23-year-old has also continued to struggle from three-point range, connecting with just 30% of his attempts, a percentage that puts him behind Ball, who has received much criticism for his shooting from deep. Ultimately, while the Lakers will miss Kuzma's offensive input, he should be sacrificed over the likes of Ingram and Ball.