Lakers Rumors: Realistic chances for Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans side
By Ronald Agers
New Orleans overhauled the front office with the hire of David Griffin. Is the AD deal dead?
David Grubb:
"No, I don’t think so at all. Gayle Benson has already stated that she hasn’t ruled out dealing with the Lakers, or at the very least she hasn’t given Griffin any instructions not to negotiate with LA. Also, on more than one occasion Alvin Gentry has stated his belief that players like Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball could thrive in his system. So, I believe there is still interest on the part of the Pelicans."
Now about a week ago, what were the Lakers rumors floating around the NBA?
First, according to Brian Windhorst, the Pelicans had NO INTEREST in dealing with the Lakers. Then Gayle Benson got caught up in the mix. Something about the Pelicans ever trading Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers?
AD to the Lakers?
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 17, 2019
"Over my dead body," Pelicans owner says https://t.co/Lyh0mVJfa5
But that rumor did not last the day. Those rumors were rebuffed quickly.
Per the “over my dead body” reports out there regarding Gayle Benson, the Lakers and Anthony Davis.
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) May 17, 2019
I have spoken to Gayle.
She laughed at the report and called it “totally absurd,” and “completely untrue.”@wdsu @basketballtalk @Rachel__Nichols pic.twitter.com/IXE2ck1VNv
The moral to this story going forward is take every report with a grain of salt. The negotiations probably will be played out in the media, again, plus there are plenty of amateur and social media GMs out there that will throw out some of the most ridiculous opinions and trade offers.
The one thing that the Pelicans and Lakers can count on is that David Griffin will be the lead guy in the negotiations. Dell Demps was considered the face of the negotiations, but it was Mickey Loomis who was pulling double duty as the New Orleans Saints GM was running the front office of the Pelicans as well.
Gayle Benson probably has the highest level of confidence in Griffin to make the moves best for the franchise based on the man’s resume. He built a championship level team in Cleveland and was a part of a Phoenix Suns front office when they were actually good.
Watching David Griffin break down the possibilities of the negotiations proves everything.
Jeanie Buss has the highest level of confidence in Rob Pelinka considering he has control of the front office. The fans and media (myself included) do not share Buss’ level of confidence based on Pelinka’s lack of a resume.