The pairing of LeBron James and Anthony Davis over the last four seasons has been called disappointing by many people. But there’s also no doubt it has been at least somewhat successful for the Los Angeles Lakers.
That pairing resulted in an NBA championship right away, and this season the two carried the Lakers to the Western Conference finals. Clearly, James and Davis are one of the best, if not the best, superstar duos in the game today.
However, Davis has many critics, due to his many injuries and what those critics perceive as laziness and a lack of toughness and motivation. This perception has led plenty of Lakers fans to advocate for the team to trade him.
Zach Gelb, who hosts a show on CBS Sports Radio, told Bill Reiter that James is reportedly done with Davis (h/t ClutchPoints).
.@sportsreiter has heard LeBron James is frustrated and is over Anthony Davis.
Full Zach Gelb Show on @CBSSportsRadio with Bill Reiter here: https://t.co/h84M7WlMuj pic.twitter.com/ZJ12eTfDRg
— Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) June 21, 2023
“I’ve heard he’s over Anthony Davis,” Gelb said of James. “He’s frustrated with the guy. He doesn’t believe in his toughness for obvious reasons. But I’m extremely curious if the Lakers — I don’t think they will, but do anything bold — maybe move AD?”
Gelb prefaced his statement by pointing out how James is moody and prone to ephemeral sentiments. When Reiter pressed Gelb on how much of a chance he thinks the Lakers may actually move Davis this offseason, he said he thinks there’s a “three-and-a-half percent chance.”
Davis is under contract for two more seasons, but the final year of his current deal is a player option. It’s probably safe to say that the Lakers are more focused on his possible impending free agency in 2024 than looking to trade him anytime soon.