Pelicans Owner Shuts Out Lakers As Possible Anthony Davis Trade Partners

The New Orleans Pelicans hold the rights to the first overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, something that they are likely to use on Zion Williamson. This could somehow ease the prospect of seeing Anthony Davis leave the franchise although executive vice president for basketball operations and general manager David Griffin will still try to mend ties.

Despite gaining the rights to the first overall pick for the 2019 NBA Draft, Davis was reportedly far from impressed. It seems the 26-year-old player is still bent on changing zip codes with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics getting singled out. However, it looks like the purple and gold may be out of the picture if team owner Gayle Benson's words are to stick. “To the Lakers, over my dead body,” she allegedly said on ESPN.

It is no secret that the Pelicans and the Lakers have a soured relationship dating back to February. This was the time when the Lakers made that ridiculous multiplayer offer to Davis but was eventually thumbed down. Despite the departure of Lakers team president Earvin "Magic" Johnson and the firing of Dell Demps, the Pelicans top brass remain firm that a Davis trade to the Lakers will not happen, Lakers Nation reported.

If this holds up until the summer, the Lakers may have to divert their focus elsewhere. There is the coming NBA Draft where they will be selecting fourth and NBA free agency. With Williamson, R.J. Barrett and Ja Morant likely to be selected ahead of them, new head coach Frank Vogel and his team will have to skim through the incoming freshmen and see who holds promise.

As for free agency, the Lakers will need to address a lot. They need to get LeBron James help and practically all positions need to be filled. They do have Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma though it remains that they need a certified NBA star. So far and outside Davis, the names that have cropped up include Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler.

There are plenty more names available this summer. Trade could also happen although this means possibly giving up some of the young Laker guns. One player suggested by NBC Sports is Bradley Beal who is seen as the new face of the Washington Wizards. All that could change in the coming months, depending on what the new Washington top brass wants.