Anthony Davis Trade: 3 reasons why Anthony Davis should head to the Los Angeles Lakers this summer

Anthony Davis is expected to leave the New Orleans Pelicans this summer due to his refusal to sign a new long-term extension. Davis is eligible for a $240 million contract extension, but despite the best efforts of the Pelicans, the 26-year-old has expressed his desire to move on.

Ahead of the February trade deadline, Davis requested to be traded, and while the Pelicans refused to grant Davis' wish, the team will be forced into a deal this summer due to the All-Star's expiring contract.

Teams such as the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are believed to be preparing moves for the six-time All-Star, and the Los Angeles Lakers will also return with another offer having failed to land Davis ahead of the deadline.

So, as we head towards the offseason, here we will look at three reasons why Anthony Davis' future should be with the Lakers.

#3 Doubts over the Celtics and Knicks

Kyrie Irving's own future is currently in doubt

The three teams that are believed to be within a realistic shot of landing Davis this summer are the Lakers, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks. All three are big market teams, and the trio also has the potential to put together a package that could convince the Pelicans to trade Davis.

Nevertheless, while the Celtics and Knicks are keen to bring in Davis, both teams must attend to other business first. The Celtics need to convince Kyrie Irving to sign a new long-term extension, and their hopes of doing this look to have faded as the season has progressed.

Meanwhile, there is no guarantee that the Knicks will successfully attract a free-agent such as Kevin Durant, and after becoming frustrated with the Pelicans' inability to compete, Davis is unlikely to be convinced to sign for a team without another All-Star.

#2 Complimentary Second Star

Anthony Davis has the personality and skill set to flourish as a second star alongside LeBron James

While there is no doubting that Davis is among the best players in the NBA, he has historically operated better as a second star. During the 16/17 season, Davis formed part of the league's most dominant duo with DeMarcus Cousins, and without his fellow big, Davis has struggled to guide the Pelicans towards playoff contention this season.

Davis' laid back personality and lack of selfishness on the court also make him the perfect candidate to play alongside LeBron James. While he would be joining a Lakers offense that is dominated by James, there would likely be no instances of hero ball due to LeBron's ability to find open men. Ultimately, there most likely won't be any teething problems between AD and LeBron, and it also helps that the duo share the same agent in Rich Paul.

#1 Championship Contenders

The Los Angeles Lakers will have a shot at a Championship with LeBron and Davis

Davis has long stated his desire to remain with the Pelicans, although he has always maintained that his future depended on the organization's ability to build a roster that would allow him to compete for a Championship. The Pelicans have failed to do this, as Davis has made just two trips to the playoffs during his seven years in New Orleans, and he clearly believes that things won't improve anytime soon.

While the Lakers have endured a disastrous 18/19 season, the combination of LeBron and Davis looks formidable on paper, and the Lakers also have the cap space to further improve their squad. Meanwhile, an Irving-less Boston will struggle to advance from the East due to competition from the Sixers and Raptors. Ultimately, if Davis joins the Lakers, he will get three years alongside LeBron to win a Championship, and it is hard to argue that he will get a better shot at winning a ring.