As the NBA Trade Deadline approaches, several teams are discussing potential trades with one another. For example, the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans have discussed a trade for Pelicans forward Anthony Davis. The Lakers’ latest offer included their young core and two first-round picks. They were willing to trade Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson and two first-round picks. The Lakers would receive Anthony Davis and Solomon Hill in return. This deal was better than the Lakers’ original deal, but the Pelicans wanted more. The Lakers and Pelicans can’t come to terms with a deal, so the Lakers have pulled out of the trade talks.
Lakers pull out of Anthony Davis trade talks amid 'outrageous' requests by Pelicans. Lakers offered Ball, Kuzma, BI, KCP, Hart, Zubac, 2 first round picks, and take Solomon Hill back for cap relief. https://t.co/VpB2P0pGa6
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) February 5, 2019
The Lakers aggressively tried to pursue Davis. The addition of Davis could have put the Lakers in a position to contend. However, the Lakers were not willing to meet the Pelicans’ demands. The Pelicans wanted six to eight draft picks and the Lakers called the demand “outrageous”. So, the Lakers backed out of the talks.
According to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times, Magic Johnson told New Orleans general manager Dell Demps that the Lakers made their best offer and were not willing to add anything else. The trade talks are off, but they are willing to make an offer in the offseason. This offer will be less than their previous offer.
Davis is currently sitting out due to a finger injury. He is listed as questionable in the Pelicans next game against the Bulls. Sources said the Pelicans front office prevented Davis from playing on Monday. His absence might extend until the end of the Trade Deadline on Thursday.
As of now, Anthony Davis will not be joining the Lakers by Thursday. The Lakers did not agree to the Pelicans’ demands and ended the talks. But, there is still time. With the deadline approaching, both teams could come to terms, and the Lakers could acquire the player they desire. It all depends on the Pelicans.
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