Jeanie Buss Criticizes Anthony Davis: “He Was Traded Because He Was A Complainer”
Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has stirred controversy with her recent remarks about former player Anthony Davis, making a bold statement regarding the reason behind Davis’ trade from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Lakers in 2019. Buss suggested that Davis’ departure from New Orleans was rooted in his behavior as a “complainer,” a comment that has since caught the attention of fans, analysts, and players alike.
Davis, a versatile forward and one of the most dominant big men in the NBA, was traded to the Lakers in a high-profile deal that sent shockwaves through the league. At the time of the trade, Davis was one of the most coveted players in the NBA, and his move to Los Angeles was seen as a clear indication of the Lakers’ ambitions to build a championship-caliber team around superstar LeBron James. The trade eventually paid off, with the Lakers securing the NBA championship in 2020, their 17th in franchise history, thanks in part to Davis’ contributions on both ends of the court.
However, Buss’ recent comments cast a new light on the dynamics that led to the trade. In an interview, the Lakers owner suggested that Davis’ move to Los Angeles wasn’t just a product of the Pelicans’ willingness to part with their star player but was also heavily influenced by Davis’ alleged complaints during his time in New Orleans. Buss claimed that Davis’ behavior, which she described as being centered around grievances and dissatisfaction with his situation, played a major role in the Pelicans’ decision to part ways with him.
“Anthony was unhappy in New Orleans,” Buss said. “He was a complainer. That’s why they traded him. He had issues with the direction of the team, the management, and how things were being run. It wasn’t just about basketball. He made it clear he wanted out, and eventually, the Pelicans had to make the decision to move on from him.”
These remarks have raised eyebrows, as they seem to contradict the prevailing narrative surrounding the trade. Many have viewed Davis’ departure from New Orleans as the culmination of a prolonged period of frustration, with the player publicly expressing his desire to play for a contender. Davis’ trade request in 2019 was widely regarded as a strategic move on his part to align himself with a team that could give him a better shot at competing for championships, something he couldn’t achieve in New Orleans, a team that was mired in rebuilding efforts.
Buss’ comments have also sparked debate about the role of star players in shaping their futures. While some may agree with her assessment, arguing that Davis’ actions were reflective of a sense of entitlement or impatience, others believe his frustration was justified, considering the lack of success and support in New Orleans. Regardless of the perspective, Buss’ comments underscore the complex relationships between ownership, management, and players in the modern NBA.
It is worth noting that Jeanie Buss has a long history of being outspoken and transparent about her thoughts on team dynamics. However, her remarks on Davis seem to be more pointed than usual, possibly signaling underlying tensions or a broader frustration with the way certain players operate in the league.
As the Lakers look ahead to future seasons, the comment adds another layer of intrigue to their relationship with Davis. The question remains: How will Davis respond to Buss’ comments, and what will this mean for the Lakers’ future with their star forward? Only time will tell if these remarks have any lasting impact on Davis’ standing within the organization.
