Over the past week, NBA rumors about the Los Angeles Lakers making a play for the New Orleans Pelicans' Anthony Davis caused a stir. After speculation arrived about the potential Anthony Davis trade, it brought about headlines with comments that NBA superstar LeBron James endorsed a possible deal. Now, those comments have reportedly caused a commotion as several NBA general managers aren't happy about the league allowing it.
NBA GMs upset over James, possible tampering
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, since James made the comments, it prompted several general managers to reach out to Pelicans' general manager Dell Demps. Reportedly, they did so to "express dismay" about James' public comments. James, in speaking to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, called the potential of Anthony Davis on the L.A. Lakers "amazing" and "incredible." After the comments, Anthony Davis commented about James saying that.
A number of small market NBA GMs feel that this could bring issues for the future, involving players beyond the Pelicans' Davis.
An Eastern Conference GM told ESPN, "It's open season on small markets and our players."
Adding to the intrigue of it all is the fact that Anthony Davis hired James' agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. That has many people believing that Klutch is going to work toward convincing the Pelicans and Lakers to make a deal so that Davis can team up with James in L.A.
Davis trade possibility
Recent speculation suggests that the Los Angeles Lakers are willing to part with their young core of players for a possible deal. That means Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, and Brandon Ingram would all be available in a trade. It shows just how determined Magic Johnson and the organization is with regard to winning right now, rather than in the future.
Despite all the commotion, there have been recent reports indicating that the New Orleans Pelicans' focus is on looking for players to put around Davis. Head coach Alvin Gentry said their star player won't be traded "under any circumstance." The All-Star big man is currently signed to a contract through the 2019-20 season with an option at the end of that season. He can choose to become a free agent and join the Lakers then if he desires.
A Western Conference GM suggested that the NBA needs to let everyone know which rules they're choosing to enforce and which ones they won't be enforcing. A number of league executives simply want the NBA to enforce the rules about players' public comments, in the same manner, that they do with regard to owners or management.
It makes sense, and it's hard to argue against the fact that a superstar like James has a lot of power in the league today.
As of right now, Davis is still with the Pelicans. However, one has to wonder, whether or not hearing LeBron James give his blessing on the All-Star coming to Los Angeles has the big man contemplating his future goals. A championship is always on the mind of many stars as they look to solidify their NBA careers.