David Pingalore, a KTLA sports anchor and reporter, sent shockwaves across the NBA world on Thursday when he stated that the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to trade LeBron James.
It was quite the surprising news, and some dismissed it, considering Pingalore isn’t exactly a household name when it comes to insiders. However, he has actually been on the money when it comes to breaking stories in the past — especially about LeBron — and let’s take a look at some of the big ones over the years.
In 2012, Pingalore reported that in two years James could be making a shocking return to the Cleveland Cavaliers after he had left them for the Miami Heat. Sure enough, LeBron would sign a two-year, $42.2 million deal with the Cavaliers in 2014.
“Was told recently from NBA people that LeBron James has put feelers out regarding a return to the Cavs in two years.”
Was told recently from #nba people that lebron james has put feelers out regarding a return to the #cavs in two years
— David Pingalore (@DavidPingalore) February 7, 2012
In 2014, Pingalore reported that LeBron had stormed out of a restaurant after a meeting with the Heat owner, who had asked him to take a pay cut. Just a few days later, James would opt out of his contract with Miami to become a free agent and return to Cleveland.
“Also hearing today that Lebron James met with team owner at a Miami Restaurant. LBJ stormed off when asked about a pay cut.”
Also hearing today that Lebron James #heat @MiamiHEAT met with team owner at a Miami Restaraunt. LBJ stormed off when asked about a pay cut
— David Pingalore (@DavidPingalore) June 20, 2014
Then in February 2018, he also called LeBron’s departure from the Cavaliers to the Lakers later that year. The two teams had made a trade, and Pingalore stated the Lakers did so because James would then join them to return the favor.
“The Lakers
are doing LeBron a favor and he will pay them back by making the Lakers his next team….. NBA front office people I spoke with today. Put that scenario as a strong possibility. I will scratch your back if you do the same.”
The @lakers are doing @lebron a favor and he will pay them back by making the @lakers his next team….. #nba front office people I spoke with today. Put that scenario as a strong possibility. I will scratch your back if you do the same. @more on @KTLA with me and @DerrinHorton https://t.co/BwltlPEUh5
— David Pingalore (@DavidPingalore) February 8, 2018
A year later, Pingalore correctly reported that Kawhi Leonard would end up with the Los Angeles Clippers. The whole basketball world seemed to believe that Leonard was heading to the Lakers, but just a few days after Pingalore reported this, Kawhi joined the Clippers.
“The conversation with my NBA sources continues to be Kawhi Leonard, “heavily leaning towards joining the Clippers. From conversations as of this evening, I am still being told he is not interested in joining LeBron James and the Lakers. Never has been in his sights.”
The conversation with my @nba sources continues to be @kawhileonard “heavily leaning towards joining the @clippers. From conversations as of this evening I am still being told he is not interested in joining the @KingJames and @Lakers. Never has been in his sights.
— David Pingalore (@DavidPingalore) July 2, 2019
Considering he was on point with all of these stories, you have to say Pingalore is a legitimate insider. To get the scoop that James was considering a return to Cleveland in 2012 and that Leonard was going to the Clippers shows that he has strong connections within the NBA.
Based on his history, you now have to strongly consider that the Lakers might be trading LeBron. James has a player option worth $51.4 million for 2024-25, and if L.A. believes he would opt out, it would make sense for them to try to get whatever they can for him right now.
Who Is David Pingalore?
Pingalore graduated from Jacksonville University in 1995 and has had a long and distinguished career. In the decades that he has been in the business, he has covered four Super Bowls, two NBA Finals, the NCAA Final Four, and the Daytona 500.
After spells working in Johnstown and Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Cleveland, Ohio, where he covered LeBron’s early years, Pingalore joined WKMG-TV, a CBS affiliate in Orlando, Florida in 2007. He spent 10 years as the sports director there before joining KTLA in 2017, for whom he continues to work today.
Pingalore’s resume combined with his track record when it comes to breaking stories about LeBron, makes you think there is a real possibility he is suiting up for another team in a few weeks. If James really is available for trade, there shouldn’t be a lack of suitors even though he is 39 years old,
LeBron is averaging 24.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game this season. He is still more than capable of helping a contending team get over the line and win a championship.
We spoke about a magical offseason plan for the Heat, which involved signing LeBron, and they could get things rolling right now by acquiring him. James would make them the clear favorites to win it all, depending on what they give up for him.
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