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 10th place into playoff contention.
The Soapbox 