Los Angeles Lakers: Dell Demps being fired is great for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers were unable to get a deal done for Anthony Davis, in large part due to the demands from former Pelicans GM, Dell Demps.

The Los Angeles Lakers threw the entire kitchen sink at the New Orleans Pelicans when trying to trade for superstar big man Anthony Davis. Los Angeles practically offered its entire young core alongside future draft picks for Davis, who made it clear that he wants out of New Orleans.

In fact, the Lakers final offer to the Pelicans was reportedly Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac, Josh Hart, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and two first-round picks; Los Angeles also offered to take on Solomon Hill as financial relief for the Pelicans.

That is a massive trade haul, even for Davis. In that package, you have two former second overall picks, a great standout sophomore, two solid young pieces in Hart and Zubac, an expiring contract and two future draft picks.

I get that Davis is a sensational talent and is one of the top-five players in the NBA. I also get that the Pelicans seemingly did not want to give into the Lakers, as it seems as if Davis has been planning to team up with LeBron James the second he signed in LA.

However, the ownership obviously agrees more without sentiments than with the sentiments of former general manager, Dell Demps. Former, of course, because the Pelicans fired him, likely because he did not get a deal done for Davis.

Throughout the entire process, there were constant reports that Demps was getting pressure from ownership to deal Davis. The front office wanted to get the drama over with and cash out on the offer the Lakers were willing to give right then and there.

Demps, probably knowing that no matter what he did he was going to get fired, stood tall and said no. At least he does not have to be known as the guy that traded Anthony Davis.

All of this is playing directly into the Lakers’ hand and is going to help the team when trade discussions reignite in the offseason.

Los Angeles obviously knows that the front office is keen on dealing Davis and firing Demps only shows how desperate they really are. After rejecting the Lakers’ offer at the deadline the Pelicans might not get as good of a deal.

They still will probably get the three young stars but you can throw out the salary relief in Hill, Josh Hart and the 2019 NBA Draft pick. It still is going to be a nice return, but not nearly as nice as they could have gotten at the deadline.

All the Los Angeles Lakers have to do is beat the Boston Celtics’ best offer. And quite frankly, the Celtics shouldn’t really even be competition for Davis. Kyrie Irving might sign with another team and then the Celtics would be foolish to trade the young pieces for Davis.

Plus, Jayson Tatum is a little overhyped and the combination of Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma alone is significantly more valuable than Tatum.

Ball is more valuable than Jaylen Brown and while the Celtics have picks, they likely aren’t going to be willing to trade those picks for Davis is Irving leaves.

This trade is the Los Angeles Lakers for the taking and the New Orleans Pelicans confirmed that by firing Dell Demps after he did not get a deal done with Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka.