Anthony Davis transfer rumors: The Lakers have pulled out of the trade move in a stunning turnaround.
Anthony Davis shocked the NBA fans when he announced that he doesn’t intend to stay at the Pelicans.
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The announcement triggered a series of speculation linking Davis to a number of NBA teams, with Boston Celtics and LA Lakers among the favourites for the signature.
While Anthony Davis Sr. publically criticised Celtics for their treatment of Isaiah Thomas, Lakers made a series of offers to secure a trade move for the player.
However, it has now been reported that Lakers have pulled out of a deal in a stunning turnaround.
Anthony Davis trade rumors:
According to Broderick Turner of the LA Times, the Lakers have pulled out any more conversations with the Pelicans regarding a trade move for Anthony Davis.
Lakers’ Magic Johnson reportedly believes that they have made the best offer for the player, and has refused to bow to the “outrageous” demands made by the Pelicans.
Lakers pull out of AD talks because of Pelicans’ “outrageous” requests including 6-8 draft picks, per @BA_Turner pic.twitter.com/5KzfNzInL9
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 5, 2019
The Lakers were going as all-out as you can to try to get Anthony Davis.
Their latest offer before they backed out: Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, KCP, Ivica Zubac, 2 1st-round picks and taking on Solomon Hill’s contract… WOW.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 5, 2019
ESPN journalist Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that while Lakers will no longer bid ‘against themselves’, there are willing to wait for Pelicans’ next move over their offer.
The Lakers are still glad to engage with the Pelicans on an Anthony Davis trade, but no longer want to bid against themselves, league sources tell ESPN. Lakers are waiting for Pelicans to make a counter-proposal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2019
It was reported earlier that Pelicans counter-offered Lakers for their ‘lowball’ approach for Davis, after which the Lakers increased their offer.
Wojnarowski claimed that the Lakers’ president Magic Johnson and Pelicans’ General Manager Dell Damps had multiple conversations and that the Lakers included multiple draft picks and offered relief in the salary cap for Anthony Davis.
In the earlier offer, the Lakers had offered two of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, and Ivica Zubac and a first-round pick.
In the midst of speculations over Lakers’ move for Davis, LeBron James also made a statement. However, he seemed unperturbed with his views on the speculations.
“I kind of tend not to play much fantasy basketball, that’s how I’ve always been,” he said.
Lakers have pulled out of the Anthony Davis sweepstakes for now, I’m hearing.
In the deal, Pelicans wanted the young core+Zubac+Hart+KCP and 4 1st round picks.
Pels wanted LA to take Solomon Hill in the deal & Lakers declined.
Things at a standstill for now. pic.twitter.com/2rqozkqb8p
— Brandon Robinson (@ScoopB) February 5, 2019
In this story: Monday night the Lakers changed the players in their offer to Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Ivica Zubac and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. But Lakers weren’t interested in giving up 6-8 draft picks like Pelicans wanted. https://t.co/EKiOY19oRT
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) February 5, 2019
Lakers whined that Pelicans wouldn’t return calls.
Lakers whined that Pelicans wanted too much.
Lakers whined that Pelicans aren’t active in the process.It’s almost like the Pelicans didn’t choose to start the trade process this week. Like someone else tried to start it?
— Greg (@gwiss) February 5, 2019
“If something were to occur with our team whether it’s him or it’s somebody else throughout the trade deadline we’ll approach it then.”
