Anthony Davis: Lakers thoughts on likelihood of trade revealed after fresh offer
LOS ANGELES LAKERS are feeling increasingly pessimistic over their chances of signing Anthony Davis, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne claims.
The Lakers are intent on signing the New Orleans Pelicans superstar before Thursday’s trade deadline.
Lakers president Magic Johnson has tabled numerous offers to the Pelicans for the 25-year-old.
Their first offer included Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, Michael Beasley and a first-round pick, however, the Pelicans were left feeling underwhelmed.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski claims the Lakers have now offered multiple young players and draft picks, as well as proposing salary cap relief in exchange for Davis.
The Lakers are growing increasingly pessimistic about the Pelicans willingness to do a deal with them
The offer is closer to the Pelicans’ demands, with talks still ongoing.
However, according to Shelburne, the Lakers are increasingly pessimistic of signing Davis by Thursday.
Her ESPN colleague Wojnarowski wrote on Twitter: “Lakers president Magic Johnson has New Orleans engaged in talks on Anthony Davis, but must still overcome significant support within the Pelicans organisation to let Thursday's trade deadline expire with the All-Star remaining on the roster.”
To which Shelburne offered an insight into the Lakers’ feelings on a possible deal.
“Yes. So far, the Lakers have felt conversations with New Orleans have been one-sided and they are growing increasingly pessimistic about the Pelicans willingness to do a deal with them,” she said.
New Orleans want the Lakers to overwhelm them with an historic amount of picks, it’s claimed.
The Lakers could end up losing the core of their young roster as well as future picks in any trade involving Davis.
And Lakers icon Kobe Bryant has urged his old side to play a little bit of poker in Davis trade talks.
“It depends on what you’re trying to accomplish and what your long-term objectives are,” Kobe told ESPN’s Rachel Nicholls when asked if the Lakers should put everything on the table for Davis.
“By signing LeBron you’re already making an indication that you want to win now.
“So I think it’d be a smart thing to do for the Lakers to look at that.
“But at the same time, you’ve got to play a little bit of poker.”
NBA results:
Monday, February 4
Denver Nuggets 103-129 Detroit Pistons
Atlanta Hawks 137-129 Washington Wizards
Milwaukee Bucks 113-94 Brooklyn Nets
Indiana Pacers 109-107 New Orleans Pelicans
Houston Rockets 118-110 Phoenix Suns
San Antonio Spurs 112-127 Sacramento Kings