For the Lakers, Anthony Davis' most recent comments are a nightmare. For every other team who wanted the versatile center on their roster this season, they kept that dream alive.
As many know, Davis will be a free agent following the 2019-20 season. The Lakers were well aware of that fact, sending over assets like Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and others with full confidence that Davis would want to re-sign with Los Angeles after the season. GM Rob Pelinka, who spearheaded the deal for Davis, said during the introductory press conference that the All-Star would be in LA for the next decade.
However, speaking to his hometown newspaper in the Chicago Tribune, Davis said he would think about playing for the Bulls.
"I mean, (this is) definitely hometown," Davis said. "If the opportunity ever presents itself and when that time comes, I'd definitely consider it."
So, if Davis is open to playing for the Bulls, does that mean he would consider the Knicks, too? Davis' agent, Rich Paul, said during his Sports Illustrated feature that the two were thinking about heading into free agency no matter what. He also said the Knicks are in a market that would be very attractive.
Team president Steve Mills and GM Scott Perry looked into the price for Davis this offseason, but they didn't want to send away that many assets to the Pelicans knowing Davis wasn't a guarantee for the future.
This Bulls comment surfaced after Davis said that he is only focused on his season with the Lakers.
"I'm just focused on this season," he told ESPN. "I don't know what's gonna happen. I have one year here, so I'm gonna make the best of this year, and when that time comes around in the summer or whenever the seasons's over -- hopefully around mid-June after we just had this parade and I need a couple of days to think -- then we can talk about that."
LeBron James will certainly be pitching his case to Davis all season long to stay in LA. And returning the Lakers to a feared franchise both in the regular season and playoffs this season would be a huge incentive to re-sign.
But comments like this can't be overlooked, as Knicks fans can still hang on to the notion that Davis wants to play in New York one day.