The Lakers seemingly suffered after failing to acquire Anthony Davis’ services this past off-season. It became clear that the many troubles of the Lakers’ front office affected the players in a negative way, even affecting their morale for the rest of the season. In a recent interview with Bleacher Report, veteran Lakers’ player and former Celtics’ star, Rajon Rondo talked about how the mid-season trade talks stifled the young Lakers’ core and affected their everyday confidence.

“You can’t really relate to it until you’ve gone through it,” Rondo said. “Not knowing the future, waking up every day—and now you’re on the phone reading stuff. When I was going through it, there wasn’t so much social media; it was just on TV.”

“You’d hear it, or someone would text you about it, but it wasn’t so much in your face, with eight different blockbuster or proposed trades and your name in every one of them. Every Instagram scroll, you’re in it. So, psychologically, it probably took a toll,” he continued.

Rondo went on to say even older players were affected by the trade rumors.

“I can’t say a name, but I remember me and the guy were on the bench for the Atlanta game right before the [All-Star] break. The guy was cussing and talking bad about the situation during the game. I was like: ‘Snap out of it. That s*** is over with. We’ll get through it. As vets, we have to move forward and not focus on what the young guys are focusing on. Set an example.’ It was a little crazy to see a vet distraught over that.

Anthony Davis’ future is still uncertain. With reports that he wants out of New Orleans, multiple teams have lined up as suitors for the all-star.