Lakers Rumors: Josh Hart believes LeBron, KCP were only ‘untouchable’ players during Anthony Davis buzz

Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors go back to the NBA Trade Deadline, as guard Josh Hart thinks there were only two players the team did not plan on trading for Anthony Davis.

There have been plenty of Los Angeles Lakers rumors in recent days and weeks. However, the most recent Lakers rumors bring us back to the trade deadline in February.

The Los Angeles Lakers were an extremely active team during the 2018-2019 trade deadline. During that juncture, the Lakers were aggressive in their pursuit of New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis.

The Lakers made several enticing trade offers for Davis, with each one being more attractive than the last. However, despite Los Angeles’ efforts to lure in the big man, the Pelicans opted to stand pat at the trade deadline.

Given how the Lakers’ offers were constructed, it is fair to speculate the Pelicans were truly toying with the purple and gold. Los Angeles literally offered the motherload for Davis, which, in a sense, destroyed team morale at a crucial stage of the season.

Considering the youth within the Lakers’ organization, it is even more understandable as to why team spirit went down. It sometimes takes time for younger players to wrap their minds around the fact that the NBA is a business.

Per recent reports, it certainly seems like shooting guard Josh Hart was affected by the trade speculation in a not so positive way. Hart was recently featured on Danny Green’s podcast “Inside the Green Room,” where he discussed the drama that naturally revolved around the Davis rumors.

In the podcast, Hart revealed something about that trade buzz that is sure to get some folks riled up. Per transcription from Lakers Nation contributor Dan Duangdao, the Lakers were open to trading everyone aside from two players.

"“It seemed like nobody was untouchable honestly besides Bron and KCP.”"

Without a doubt, the fact that LeBron James was not mentioned in the Davis talks is no surprise. The Lakers just signed the superstar last summer and letting him go would have likely caused a frenzy in Hollywood.

On the other hand, Hart’s inclusion of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is what makes this rumor a little juicier.

It is not like KCP was enjoying an outstanding season for the Lakers. It is worth noting that Caldwell-Pope had higher point, rebound, and assist totals last year.

Therefore, it is somewhat curious as to why Caldwell-Pope was evidently valued so high by the Lakers amid the Anthony Davis pandemonium. The purple and gold were willing to give up a lot of items from their pantry in order to acquire Davis, so it goes without saying: “Well, we may as well include KCP, too.”

For those who may have forgotten, it is not like Caldwell-Pope was immune to being involved in trade rumors in 2018-2019. When the Lakers were trying to get Trevor Ariza, the Lakers reportedly offered KCP and a pick for Ariza.

Additionally, the Houston Rockets were reportedly interested in KCP at one point during the season. That being said, Hart’s comments are perhaps a bit far-fetched. KCP was not on the same plateau as LeBron as far as how the Lakers valued him.

Where Hart’s thoughts are slightly more accurate is that Caldwell-Pope was not a constant piece the Lakers dangled for Davis. According to Christian Rivas of SB Nation, KCP was not included in any deals except for the last one LA made.

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Given that KCP was involved in other rumors this year, it is strange as to why he was not involved in many of the Davis discussions.

Based on what Hart said, he believes it may have something to do with KCP sharing the same agent as LeBron, and, interestingly enough, Davis.

Rivas mentioned this common thread in his piece, for, indeed, Rich Paul represents all three of those players. Ergo, that link seems to have Hart wondering if favoritism played a role in how things were orchestrated at the time. Hart went on to say the following during Green’s podcast.

"“It was just different because guys feel like, ‘Alright, we rocking together.’ Beginning of the year, we rocking together and then we had the injuries and A.D., who’s obviously with Klutch, so it’s like, ‘Alright, we don’t know what’s going on with this one.’ So it’s just different.”"

How true this tale Hart is spinning is another can of worms. Nevertheless, part of the problem right now is how the Lakers’ backcourt player is interpreting all of this.

Certainly, Hart thinks Caldwell-Pope’s connection to Paul thus made him one of those two untouchable players. As a result, it is obvious that bitterness grew within Hart.

As one can plainly see, that bitterness affected the Lakers’ level of play as the year wore on. The team was in a divided state in the later portion of the campaign, which led to them missing the playoffs again.

Undoubtedly, it is very likely that trade rumors will continue to swirl all over the place once summer comes. It is reasonable to think the Lakers will be in those conversations due to their need to return to title contention.