Could an Anthony Davis Russell Westbrook pairing be in the works? Maybe. Bleacher Report’s Brian Boyles, wrote an in-depth piece on the Pelicans failed attempt to surround their star forward with adequate talent. In the piece Boyles mentions that Davis and Westbrook share representation in the Wasserman Media Group. Citing a source close to Davis’ agent, pairing the two stars could be the end game.
Ok before everyone starts freaking out, many things need to fall into place. Russ and the Brow need to finish out their existing deals. Then they both would have to decide to take a little less money and sign (via free agency) with the Lakers. It’s highly unlikely the team’s would trade either star, more so in Russ’ case, but still. Also, the Lakers would need to make some key decisions around their young stars. Who stays, Who goes? From a perception perspective nobody would blame Brow for leaving that dumpster fire in New Orleans, but Russ is a different story.
The narrative that exists paints Russ as the loyal guy who decided to stay in OKC when his former teammate KD decided to bolt for greener pastures. Is Russ willing to undergo a “hit” to that image? Russ is probably the least concerned with that, but it’s still something to consider.
Both superstars would be best served to look at the current landscape in the NBA, and decide if that would be a good idea. Assuming the Warriors window is another 4 years. The Spurs continue to be the Spurs and young teams like Utah and Minnesota continue to get better, this may be the only realistic way to compete for a title. The Brow knows it can only get better for him by leaving New Orleans. While Russ is the unquestioned leader of the Thunder, they are a bottom three playoff seed and have no shot competing against the upper echelon of the league in their present form. Food for thought.