NBA
OTD in 2019: Lakers Acquired Anthony Davis in Blockbuster Trade With Pelicans
June 15, 2019: After 7 years with the New Orleans Pelicans, Anthony Davis was traded to the Los Angles Lakers in a blockbuster trade
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Anthony Davis gave his all to the New Orleans Pelicans, but his efforts never translated into postseason success. More often than not, his Pelicans were fighting just to be in the playoffs, and the Finals were always out of the question. In early 2019, Davis requested to be traded, wanting to part ways with the team that drafted him. His preferred location was made known as well. AD wanted to remain in the West, head out to Los Angeles, California, and play alongside NBA Mt. Rushmore member LeBron James.
LAKERS LANDED ALL-NBA PF ANTHONY DAVIS IN BLOCKBUSTER TRADE, LEADING TO FINALS WIN
LeBron James’ arrival to Los Angeles in 2018 threw their young core of Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and Kyle Kuzma into the spotlight, and more importantly the playoff picture. Even before an injury derailed his season, it was up in the air whether the King could help develop his teammates to compete with the superpowers of the West. They proved unable to sustain a passable record in his absence causing LeBron to miss his first postseason in 13 years.
Changes had to be made, as the Lake Show needed another superstar but LA garnered little interest from free agents. They would have to turn to the trade market.The Lakers and Pelicans were in complementary situations. LA eyed the Finals but lacked experienced talent, while New Orleans had a disgruntled superstar and were preparing to rebuild around No.1 pick Zion Williamson. Anthony Davis’ public desire to play with LeBron certainly made things simpler as they both shared an agent (Rich Paul).
Los Angeles would send the Pelicans Ball, Hart, and Ingram (a future All-Star), along with three draft picks, essentially risking their entire long-term future. The gamble paid off immediately as the LBJ-AD duo won the Lakers a championship in their first season together. They would be unable to repeat though as injuries would contribute to a first-round exit in 2021 against the Phoenix Suns yet are both under contract in LA for years to come.
June 15, 2019: #Pelicans & #Lakers completed a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to LA for Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, #4 overall pick, & 2 future 1st Rd picks. LA went on to win the 2020 NBA Finals thanks to an All-NBA season from AD
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) June 15, 2021
https://t.co/ELsS6qsRvR
Anthony Davis 2020 NBA Finals highlights as the only PF to record 50% FG/40% 3P/90% FT during a NBA Finals series pic.twitter.com/1B0Ofwll9l
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) June 15, 2021
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