Rob Pelinka loves telling a story. The penchant for flowery hyperbole that helped him emerge as one of the sports world's most high-profile agents has carried over to his role as general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, but at least for now, to a more humorous effect than impactful one. The outright fabrication he told the Lakers about meeting with Heath Ledger, after the actor already had passed away, will live in NBA infamy forever.
When it came to time to introduce Anthony Davis during his first press conference as a member of the Lakers, no one was surprised when Pelinka engaged in the type of over-the-top language that's quickly become his hallmark. At least this time, though, there's certainly an argument to be made that he was being honest while describing the six-time All-Star as a truly superlative player compared to his peers.
Rob Pelinka introduces Anthony Davis as “the most dominant young basketball player in the world”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 13, 2019
The Lakers agreed in June to send Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, the No. 4 pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft, and two future first-rounders to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Davis, ending a six-month standoff over his future that always seemed bound to end the way it did. During his final season with the Pelicans, Davis averaged 25.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game, stellar numbers that were nevertheless artificially deflated by the minutes limit New Orleans placed on him following his February trade request.
Los Angeles, with Davis and LeBron James, boasts arguably the best tandem in all of basketball, and has done well to hastily fill out its roster with solid veterans after missing out on Kawhi Leonard. Needless to say, as the revamped Lakers ascend toward to the top of the league hierarchy next season, expect to hear Pelinka waxing similarly poetic on frequent occasion.
Follow Us
Subscribe