NBA Trades: 3 players that the Los Angeles Lakers will need to include in any deal for Anthony Davis

The New Orleans Pelicans held talks with Anthony Davis last week as they attempted to convince their six-time All-Star to remain with the team. However, Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that Davis still wants to exit New Orleans this summer, and the Pelicans are now open to trading their biggest star:

As teams continue placing calls on Anthony Davis, Pelicans and executive VP David Griffin have begun listening to teams, league sources told The Athletic.

The Los Angeles Lakers made a series of offers for the wantaway big back in January, and Charania's report states that the Lakers will be among the top contenders for Davis' signature this summer.

Nevertheless, the Lakers will still need to put together a comprehensive trade package to beat off competition from rival teams, and here we will examine the three players that are likely to be included in any trade.

#3 Moritz Wagner

Moritz Wagner started to see more minutes on the court after the departure of Ivaca Zubac

Moritz Wagner has yet to make much of an impact in the NBA, although he remains a promising young talent. The 22-year-old was selected with the 25th overall pick in the 2018 draft, and he went on to make 43 appearances during his debut season, averaging 4.8 points and 2.0 rebounds per game.

If both Davis and Julius Randle exit New Orleans this summer, the Pelicans will be short on bigs, and Wagner is player that would be able to make an impact from the bench. The German will also have plenty of time to develop alongside a young roster, and due to his modest stock, Wagner's inclusion appears to be a certainty.

#2 Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma was selected with the 27th overall pick back in the 2017 draft

The Pelicans would like to receive Lonzo Ball in any trade for Davis, however, if Kyrie Irving leaves the Celtics in free agency, Boston will be less inclined to rival the Lakers for Davis' signature. This means that the Lakers should be able to retain their promising point guard, and Kyle Kuzma will instead be the man to make way.

Upon entering the NBA aged 22, Kuzma was among the best rookie players during the 17-18 season, averaging 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. However, he failed to improve in his second season, and there are fears that the power forward has already maxed-out his potential.

Still, Kuzma continues to put up good scoring numbers (18.7 points per game), and the 23-year-old would add some much-needed firepower to an underwhelming Pelicans roster.

#1 Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram is viewed as the Lakers' best trade asset

When assessing the Lakers' much talked about young core, there is no doubting that Brandon Ingram possesses the most value. Still just 21, Ingram has already spent three full seasons in the NBA, and his performances have improved with each passing campaign.

Over the course of the 18-19 campaign, Ingram averaged 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, also shooting a career-high 50% from the field. The young forward also continues to earn comparisons to Kevin Durant, and many around the league believe that he will transform into an All-Star.

The Pelicans will demand Ingram's inclusion in any deal for Davis, and it will be almost impossible for the Lakers to pull off a deal without including their prized asset. Ultimately, Ingram's departure is a sacrifice that Los Angeles needs to make, as the team looks to make the most of LeBron James' remaining years at the top.