The James Harden Mess Should Make Lakers Fans Feel Even Better About Anthony Davis' Extension

What a mess they've got on their hands in Philadelphia, with James Harden declaring GM Daryl Morey a "liar," and that he won't play on the team as long as he's there. He wants to get traded to the Clippers, and reportedly will make things as "uncomfortable" as possible for the Sixers until he gets his wish. Mercifully, this turn of events has, other than the potential impacts on a conference rival, literally nothing to do with the Lakers. There is no rumor, no supposition, no anything linking Harden to the Lakers that is even two percent plausible. Or one percent. Or half a percent. Given the scope of Harden's star power, that's a nice turn of events, and indicates a change in how this sort of thing works. We saw a glimpse with the post-deadline path of Kyrie Irving, where, sure he was connected to the Lakers but there was no momentum there. What does it mean that the Lakers aren't the automatic "What about?" when stuff like this happens? And how does this Harden moment compare to another one that certainly did impact the Lakers... specifically when Kobe Bryant demanded a trade, called Dr. Buss an idiot and found himself as one of the earliest subjects of amateur video in the summer of 2007. So how does that summer compare to this one? We reminisce. And from there, what does the Harden controversy say about the decision of the Lakers to quickly and enthusiastically give Anthony Davis a max contract extension? Hint: It should make fans feel much, much better about it. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: James Harden is a cartoon, creating real problems for the Sixers that, in a twist, will not touch the Lakers in the slightest. Is this a new trend? SEGMENT 2: Comparing the Harden controversy with the Summer of Kobe. SEGMENT 3: What the Harden controversy says about the Anthony Davis extension. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Right now, when you bet on a Super Bowl Winner, you can GET BONUS BETS EVERY TIME THEY WIN IN THE REGULAR SEASON! FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices