NBA Insider Criticizes Toughness of Lakers $190 Million Star

Anthony Davis missed a big chunk of the 2021-22 NBA season. He led the Los Angeles Lakers to a title in Orlando, but sustained serious injuries in the last two seasons. The Lakers gave him a contract extension and secured his future in Los Angeles. The toughness of the Lakers star is a topic once again.

NBA Insider Steve Bulpett has something to say about Davis and his toughness. Will he sustain another injury in the upcoming season? Bulpett talked about this with a Pelicans official. The Boston Celtics wanted AD back in the days.

“Someone with New Orleans told me, when the Celtics were in the hunt for Anthony Davis heavily, he said you’d better make sure that Marcus Smart is not included in that deal because you’re going to need someone tough to stand next to Anthony Davis,” Bulpett said in a video interview. “No. 2, he told me he had never, ever seen a player take that many trips to the trainer’s room. Now, we’re not talking about a serious injury and a guy being stupid and making himself even more hurt, but just that the people around him will tell you, he goes to the trainer’s room for the slightest issue. A hangnail, that can be a problem.”

Anthony Davis’ toughness made a lot of topics in recent Lakers star news

The Lakers traded a big chunk of their young core to get AD. The front office wanted him for a reason. Buss gave up on Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and the first-rounders in 2022, 24, and 2024. They have a pick swap in the 2023 Draft. Don’t forget De’Andre Hunter! Yes, AD and LeBron gave them a title, but giving up on all those players and picks?

A Western Conference executive discussed Davis’ future with the Lakers and the chance to see him out of the team.

“There are some in that organization who would not mind seeing what they can bring back for AD, but they would not do it with LeBron there. You get to 2024, though, and maybe things change. …  Davis can be a free agent then, too, so he could look to sign elsewhere or he could opt in for 2024-25 and be traded. A lot of players want to push their free agency to 2025 because that is when the new TV should come in.

“The Lakers have AD for two more years for sure, and they can only hope he stays healthy. But after that, they have to think, is this guy really our future? He can’t stay on the floor. And he has to think, do I want to be here without LeBron? That’s why the Lakers do not want to give up those future picks (in a trade).”

That’s definitely bold to say, but Davis’ health issues have been a topic for quite some time. LeBron likes him and they have this really strong bond, but the Lakers may move on from the superstar if things take the wrong route again.