With the 2018-19 NBA trade deadline approaching on Feb. 7, the Los Angeles Lakers remain committed to their attempt to acquire Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Although the Lakers are reportedly Davis’ preferred destination, president of basketball operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka have been in similar situations with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard since they took over the front office.
While All-Star players want to play for the Lakers, their former teams will not simply cooperate because of a trade request. As George ultimately re-signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Leonard is contemplating his future with the Toronto Raptors, there is an urgency to trade for Davis now.