Report: Lakers pull out of Anthony Davis trade negotiations

The Lakers reportedly offered Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, two first-round picks, expiring contracts and taking Solomon Hill’s toxic contract for Anthony Davis. The Pelicans demurred.

Apparently, the Lakers have had enough.

Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times:

The Lakers have “pulled out” of any more conversations in trying to acquire New Orleans All-Star Anthony Davis because of the Pelican’s “outrageous” trade requests, according to a person with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly.

As both sides have postured through the media, this is by far the boldest play yet. Obviously, the Lakers still want Davis. But now either team will look weak by re-engaging in negotiations. Stubbornness and ego could prevent meaningful steps toward a deal.

Or maybe the Lakers just didn’t have the assets to appease New Orleans, regardless.

The Pelicans can still trade Davis before tomorrow, but it seems increasingly likely they’ll wait for the Celtics this offseason. Boston has better assets than the Lakers. The big question is how hard the Celtics will push, especially if they don’t have to bid as hard against the Lakers.

The Lakers want Davis for the 2019 playoffs. If they don’t acquire him by tomorrow, he’d provide less value to them, and their offer might drop this summer. If it does, would Boston still feel the need in July to beat the Lakers’ February offer?

That’s the threat Los Angeles wants the Pelicans to feel now. We’ll see whether they do, but so far, none of the Lakers’ tactics have gotten New Orleans to budge.