NBA pundit Colin Cowherd revealed that he has inside knowledge that LeBron James growing unhappy with Anthony Davis played a role in the Los Angeles Lakers trading him. Last season featured the all-time shocking blockbuster trade of the Lakers acquiring Doncic in exchange for Davis and Max Christie. The trade came out of nowhere when Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison wanted to deal Luka for an elite defender.
Cowherd revealed the following about the infamous trade and LeBron souring on Davis as his co-star:
“I don’t think it’s that complicated. After they won the ‘Covid’ title, Anthony Davis came to camp out of shape. LeBron wasn’t overjoyed with that. He was looking to pass the baton to some degree -reduced minutes- to slightly extend his career.
AD had a season, or maybe a season and a third, where he was in unbelievable shape for the Lakers, best maybe in his career. He played 76 games, first team All-Defense, All-NBA. When he got traded to Dallas, what happened? Hurt again, shows up to camp 15 pounds overweight. The why was always right out in front.”
The claim of Cowherd is that Davis didn’t get into his peak condition and upset James over not wanting to take the torch. Many expected Davis to become the top Lakers star to take pressure off of LeBron, but that just never happened.
Anthony Davis’ Health Failed Lakers
Cowherd referenced that things fell apart for the Lakers after the 2020 NBA Championship. The bubble title was the only time that the Lakers vision for a dominant team played out with LeBron and Davis as the top two stars.
Davis’ health made it impossible for the Lakers to get a high seed during the repeat hopes, and they suffered a first-round elimination to the Phoenix Suns. The following season featured the bold trade for Russell Westbrook that ruined the Lakers’ depth and saw them falling further down in the pecking order.
One more Western Conference Finals appearance gave the team some hope, but they got swept by the Denver Nuggets. LeBron remained the top player on the team in his older years until Luka arrived, and Davis’ injuries blocked him from being an equal, despite his younger age.
Anthony Davis Must Salvage Reputation Next Year
The trade of Doncic for Davis was expected to see both teams benefiting from their new stars. Dallas hoped to make the playoffs this season with rookie Cooper Flagg and the established All-Star Davis leading the way together.
Management even teased that Kyrie Irving could return if the season played out perfectly, but they clearly fell out of the playoff race. Davis was traded to the Washington Wizards for a lackluster package to show how much the Mavericks gave up on him.
Washington acquired both Davis and Trae Young with hopes of improving their playoff chances next season. Davis must deliver a strong season to remind the league of his value after it hit rock bottom at the trade deadline. Both individual success and contributing to team victories are needed for Davis’ reputation to be repaired.
Insider Reveals Reason LeBron Wanted Anthony Davis Traded