Update:
It appears as though something somewhere changed because the Pelicans and Lakers have now reportedly discussed a potential trade, according to Woj.
Lakers and Pelicans executives have connected on the phone concerning Anthony Davis, league sources tell ESPN. They're expected to talk again prior to next week's trade deadline.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 31, 2019
There’s no telling what happened behind the scenes to change Pelicans’ GM Dell Demps’ mind but the Pelicans being at least responsive to the Lakers is a good sign about a potential trade. Whether it is actually completed before the February 7th deadline remains to be seen.
According to the LA Times’ Brad Turner, Magic Johnson has gotten involved and given the Pelicans multiple potential trade packages for the superstar big man.
Lakers president Magic Johnson and the Lakers then presented five different trade scenarios to Demps on Wednesday and are waiting to hear back from Demps about which interest him the most, per sources.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) January 31, 2019
Sources: Lakers let Demps know one of trade scenarios would include Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Ivica Zubac, No. 1 pick, per source.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) January 31, 2019
The Lakers seem to be putting pressure on the Pelicans to make the trade sooner than later, with the threat that they would pull their offer in July.
Lakers want to get deal done and have no plans on trying to outbid Celtics during the summer because Lakers will then pursue other free agents besides AD.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) January 31, 2019
Original story follows:
The Anthony Davis story took yet another turn on Thursday morning, as an ESPN report co-authored by Adrian Wojnarowski, Zach Lowe and Brian Windhorst claim that Dell Demps has not returned phone calls from Lakers GM Rob Pelinka.
As the NBA trade deadline looms within a week, the Lakers‘ immediate pursuit of All-Star forward Anthony Davis is fraught with obstacles — including the fact that New Orleans Pelicans general manager Dell Demps has yet to return a call to Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, league sources told ESPN.
Demps is picking up his phone and returning calls — just not from the Lakers, sources said.
This is the definition of the word petty, and further damages the Pelicans reputation as a horrible basketball franchise. One of the reasons that Davis felt uncomfortable with the Pelicans is that it seemed the owners focused more on their football team, the New Orleans Saints.
So it makes sense to further alienate the best player to play for your franchise by largely ignoring his request and playing hardball, right? That’s going to inspire other free agents to want to join the team, right?
It was also reported that this process could be lengthy and get ugly over the next few months.
New Orleans officials are prepared to play the long game on Davis’ future, embarking on an uncomfortable, if not combative process that could extend months beyond next Thursday’s trade deadline.
While this news is disappointing for Lakers fans, eventually New Orleans will have to agree to a trade package. The Lakers have the best available assets that can immediately make an offer. While trade value has declined on some, others such as Ivica Zubac and Kyle Kuzma have increased their value with solid play. Only time will tell if The Brow ends up in Lakers purple and gold.
