After nearly two weeks of very public rumors about the Lakers reported interest in trading for Anthony Davis, Lakers President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson addressed reporters in Philadelphia in his continued effort to clear the air.
The Lakers got an emotional buoy from their dramatic win at Boston but they still have a long way to go to heal the wounds that were created with the Anthony Davis drama going on in public. And Magic Johnson acknowledged a common theory that’s been in the media about the Davis talks: that the Pelicans never intended to deal with the Lakers at all.
Obviously, the Pelicans didn’t have to think too long about the motivations behind the timing of Davis’ trade demand. With his signing with Klutch Sports, they were likely prepared for the inevitability. But knowing the Lakers desperation, the Pelicans pushed them to the point where the Lakers said ‘thank u, next.’
Now the Lakers task for the remainder of the season is qualifying for the playoffs and putting the Davis saga behind them. Their latest attempt is only a few minutes away in Philadelphia, in an ABC-televised matinee.
