Despite both organizations' superstar players expressing a desire to team up in Los Angeles, the Lakers have stopped pursuing Anthony Davis due to reports of New Orleans' "outrageous" trade requests.
On Tuesday, Feb. 5, a source disclosed to the Los Angeles Times that the Lakers have pulled out of trade talks with the Pelicans even though they were the frontrunners to land AD. Lakers President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson told Pelicans GM Dell Demps that L.A. would not give New Orleans the additional eight draft picks they requested. Johnson claimed the Lakers had offered Demps their best trade packages and would be moving on.
"They wanted more and more and more," the insider told the Times. "There was no more to give. They had cap-relief with Hill being in the deal. But the more they wanted the more it because outrageous and unrealistic."
As of Monday, Feb. 4, the Lakers were looking to send the Pelicans all of their talented young core players which included Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and Ivica Zubac in addition to veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in exchange for AD. This was an enticing offer which even Davis apparently approved on social media.
But by rejecting this package, it is clear the Pelicans don't want to let go of their All-Star center. Many within the franchise reportedly feel that if Davis isn't traded by the NBA's Feb. 7 deadline, he might stay in New Orleans. However, the Times' insider insists that Davis is firm in his decision.
"But that’s not going to happen," the source said. "AD is not changing his mind."
And although the Lakers have issued their final offer, the team has let it be known that they are still interested in dealing for Davis. This combined with the potential lack of productivity New Orleans will get from a disgruntled superstar, might force the Pelicans to have a change of heart and agree to the Lakers' terms.
