Lakers Rumors: Lonzo Ball Prefers Knicks, Bulls as Part of Anthony Davis Trade

Lonzo Ball would reportedly prefer to be moved to a third team like the Chicago Bulls or New York Knicks if he's a part of any deal to acquire New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis, according to Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times.

Per that report: "Ball's camp has concerns about how crowded the Pelicans' backcourt is. The problem for Ball is that he's a key part of what the Pelicans want in a deal for Davis."

However, the report added that the Pelicans see Ball as a starting point guard: "They don't see Jrue Holiday as a point guard because he 'doesn't want to be a point guard,' one source said." ... "the sources said the Pelicans would play Ball 35 minutes a night and make sure he 'would fit' in with New Orleans so he could become a star."

At the moment, New Orleans' point guards include Elfrid Payton and Frank Jackson, two players Ball should start over. While Holiday is capable of playing point, he seems most comfortable at the 2, and it's possible the Pelicans could also look to trade him if they deal Davis in an effort to build around younger players.

Ball, 21, is averaging 9.9 PPG, 5.4 APG and 5.3 RPG for the Lakers this season, though he's shooting just 40.6 percent from the field, 32.9 percent from three and 41.7 percent from the charity stripe. Ball is currently out of action with an ankle sprain until at least early February and has now missed 34 games in his first two seasons.

Regardless of his struggles, it's hard to imagine the Pelicans wouldn't want him as a part of a package for Davis. According to Ganguli, the Pelicans also have interest in Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Ivica Zubac and draft picks if they're to move Davis.

They would also likely need to take on some salary, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($12 million) or Rajon Rondo ($9 million) as possibilities.