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A trade rumor started by a local LA sports anchor has set the Internet on fire.
On Thursday night, KTLA 5 sports anchor David Pingalore claims he heard that the Lakers were looking to trade LeBron.
“Hearing from @nba peeps @KingJames is the top of the @Lakers list to trade the 39 year old. Pelinka is looking for the right team to dance with and is close to a suitor Lbj and AD both out tonight. @KTLA @KTLA5SPORTS”
Hearing from @nba peeps @KingJames is the top of the @Lakers list to trade the 39 year old. Pelinka is looking for the right team to dance with and is close to a suitor Lbj and AD both out tonight. @KTLA @KTLA5SPORTS #nba #Lakers
— David pingalore (@DavidPingalore) February 1, 2024
Fans noticed that Pingalore had been right about his LeBron predictions in the past.
In 2012, Pingalore reported that LeBron was interested in rejoining the Cavs in 2014.
This is the most impressive Dave Pingalore tweet I've seen. Some time traveler shit. pic.twitter.com/opQgt5VB1b
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) February 1, 2024
In 2018, Pingalore also predicted LeBron would join the Lakers.
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
Pingalore was also right about Kawhi Leonard signing with the LA Clippers over joining LeBron and the Lakers.
Interestingly, the guy who posted the LeBron-trade rumor—David Pingalore—is an LA TV reporter who got laughed at on TwiX in 2019 when he was one of the first to say Kawhi Leonard had no interest in the Lakers, he wanted the Clippers. Pingalore was💯% correct on that one. 🏀 #NBA pic.twitter.com/blmqrEc1ih
— Brooklyn Buckets (@BKBucketsBlog) February 2, 2024
Pingalore’s rumor comes days after LeBron posted a cryptic tweet on social media following the team’s back-to-back losses.
Fans were impressed by Pingalore’s past reporting, and he sent NBA Twitter into a frenzy with his latest rumor.
David pingalore really broke nba twitter this crazy lol
— Jamal Cristopher (@JamCristopher) February 1, 2024
“David Pingalore” really just sent nba twitter into oblivion lmao what’s funny is his track record really looking teflon though
— A ✩ (@adryanashton) February 1, 2024