Lakers Trade Talks Come with Huge Downside

It is no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers have been in hot pursuit of Pelican’s superstar Anthony Davis. The 6 time All-star has finally asked New Orleans for a trade after months of speculation. The Lakers have been very clear about their desire to add another star to play alongside LeBron James and they rightfully made an aggressive effort to acquire Anthony Davis. However, effort to land Davis has come at a hefty price.

All week long, trade rumors dominated the NBA airwaves as the Lakers’ trade offers leaked. Los Angeles has offered the Pelicans their core players in an effort to nab Davis. Trade offers included Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, Ivica Zubac, Josh Hart, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and more. The Pelicans have not budged in their refusal of giving up their star players to LA.

This has clearly taken a toll on the Lakers chemistry. In a game against the Indiana Pacers, the Lakers suffered a 42-point loss… and that’s the Pacers without Victor Oladipo! The final score was 136-94 The team looked completely out of it, chemistry clearly taking a huge hit. It seems as though players feel like the organization has given up on them, and it shows.

The worst part for the Lakers is they have no Anthony Davis to show for it. The Lakers have pulled out of trade talks after the Pelicans refused to give a counter offer. To go even further, the team has already dealt Zubac to the Los Angeles Clippers, showing that the team will be moving forward. Most of the players formerly on the trading block will be suiting up by next game for Los Angeles. With half the season left, the Lakers need to rally their players and regain trust if the team has any desire to move from 10^th place into playoff contention.

Don’t Ask Kevin Durant About the Free Agency

On Wednesday night, Kevin Durant was a little more silent than usual, and the media hated it. After dropping the hammer on the San Antonio Spurs and picking up a commanding victory of 141 to 102, Durant met with reporters at the post game interview. When pressed about why he wasn’t talking as much, Durant went on a tirade about how he doesn’t trust the media and how his words are often twisted. Before leaving the interview in a heat of frustration, Durant urged the media to grow up. While fans may be quick to call him dramatic, Durant may have a point.

Not so fast, KD.

Now, Kevin Durant has a lot to be on the hook for. As many strongly hold on to, Kevin Durant ruined the NBA. By joining a team that won 73 games without him, Durant created a power shift that has allowed the Golden State Warriors to monopolize winning in ways previously unseen. Moreover, the rich simply kept getting richer, as the Warriors added Demarcus Cousins this season to make a real-life version of the MonStars from Space Jam. Of course, Durant is allowed to make his own decisions. The fans perception of those decisions is another thing entirely. However, Durant may have a point about the media’s role in all this.

“Don’t Ask me that Again.”

When it comes to things like free agency and trade discussions, its easy for us who aren’t going through it to constantly make it a conversation point. However, for the players, it’s understandable that they don’t want to constantly be bombarded with inquiries about their next destination. A lot of players, particularly Kevin Durant, are focused on the here and now, with a special emphasis on winning. He has made it abundantly clear that his free agency decision is off limits for now, a sentiment shared with his fellow player and friend, Kyrie Irving. Perhaps Durant said it best, these guys just want to play ball.

There is another side to this argument that player’s like Durant invite these inquiries. Durant is no stranger to cryptic tweets and in person subs. He has made more than one controversial statement over the years. In fact, he has been viewed as a figure who might actually like being at the center of these kind of discussions.

We all have a job to do.

The reality may be that players want to control their own narrative. It makes sense. Players like Durant, or Irving, or even LeBron have certainly reached a position where they want to tell their own story. They’re champions, players at the top of the game, and quite frankly, it is their lives. If Durant wants to call himself as the villain, then that’s what he is. If he doesn’t want to talk free agency than maybe that’s his right not to.

At no point is Durant under an obligation to answer questions that he doesn’t want to answer. So, if he makes it clear that he doesn’t want to talk about something, then perhaps reporters should leave the topic alone. Now, of course, we all have a job to do. That includes KD, and the reporters that interview him. However, Durant’s frustration is about the job itself, but about the way the job of these reporters is being done.

In Conclusion

Durant just wants to play basketball. Maybe its unrealistic for him to believe that in his role he’ll be able to do that without garnishing certain kind of questions. Fans may not be so inclined to believe the hype surrounding his drama. Fans may be even slower to show sympathy to a man that fans liken to a snake. Whether Durant has a point or not is purely up to us. Until Durant ultimately makes a decision or decides to talk about it himself, reporters and fans should prepare for more of these kind of reactions by Durant.

All Eyes on the Pelicans

The NBA trade deadline is only a few short days away. The League has been engulfed with news that Anthony Davis has requested a trade from his current team, the New Orleans Pelicans. While the Los Angeles Lakers have been the front runner for landing the perennial big man, other teams have thrown their hats in the ring to land him. Of course, the team is under no obligation to trade Davis. However, there is a good chance that he may bolt by 2020. Thus, if the Pelicans decide to facilitate a trade, here are three teams that the Pelicans may want to consider making a deal with.

The Los Angeles Lakers

While the Pelicans may be tempted to be petty and not go through with this deal, it doesn’t lack merit. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Lakers offered New Orleans Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, Michael Beasley, and a first round draft pick. Pelicans are speculated to make a counter offer, but it’s pretty clear that the Lakers are determined to land Davis. Getting Ball, Kuzma, and one or two draft picks may put the Pelicans in a position to really  build towards the future. With the likelihood that Davis’ tenure will be coming to an end, the Pelicans may want to take advantage of the Lakers’ desperation.

The New York Knicks

This may be more beneficial to the Knicks then the Pelicans, but this deal could also have its bright spots. The Knicks have recently went through a roster overhaul, trading away Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, and Trey Burke. In exchange they received Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, and two first round draft picks. The team is clearly in the process of hitting the reset button, and that can include landing a superstar like Davis. New York could potentially offer Matthews, the two draft picks, Frank Ntilikina, and even Enes Kanter. Once again, such a deal would put the Pelicans in a position to build towards the future, which they clearly need right now. If New Orleans chooses to make a deal, this may not be a bad one.

The Boston Celtics

This a more controversial consideration, especially given the fact that Anthony Davis’ father strongly disagrees with it. However, it could make sense for the Pelicans. Last year in the playoffs, the Celtics proved just how valuable their young players are. The whole League was put on notice that the Celtics’ rising stars are not to be toyed with. While the Celtics will likely want to keep building with the core that they have now, Danny Ainge is Danny Ainge. He has pulled the trigger on deals before despite the performance of a player, which is something that Davis Sr. has a problem with. Though, as far as the Pelicans are concerned, they may be out a star and could be enticed by the proven young talent. It may not be a stretch of the imagination to see the Celtics bundle a package comprised of Jaylen Brown, Jason Tatum, and even Gordon Hayward just for kicks. If the Pelicans received such a deal, it would be hard to see them say no.

Bonus Option: No One

Okay, so obviously no one isn’t a team, but this is still very realistic. New Orleans can simply disregard the request and keep Davis in a Pelicans uniform for another year. They really and sincerely don’t have to do anything. However, all that means is that Davis will idle through next season, or just not play at all. Having a toxic relationship grow in the locker room is something that the Pelican likely want to avoid. That being said, chances are that a deal for Davis may be completed in the next few days. However, don’t be surprised if the Pelicans simply just sit on their hands.

Concluding Thoughts

Anthony Davis is one of the best big men in the League. Wherever he goes will get a boost just because he’s on the floor. Obviously the Pelicans are going to do what’s best for them, which may include nothing. However, it cannot be forgotten that the ball is almost entirely in their court. Thus, fans and front offices alike will simply have to stay tuned.