The Los Angeles Lakers were not able to bring in Anthony Davis last February around the Trade Deadline when both sides initially wanted to after the Lakers' surprising start to the fourth seed in the West, but four months later, it's happening. It was announced on Saturday that the Lakers have officially acquired Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and three first-round draft picks, including the fourth overall pick later this week. Surprisingly enough, the Lakers were able to hang on to Kyle Kuzma in negotiations, and now will focus on free agency to bring in at least one more star this summer.
The trade will not be completed until July 6th, after the free agency period officially begins on the first, as this fulfills the wishes of Davis. The man that used to be famous for his uni-brow requested a trade, specifically to the Lakers, back in January. The Boston Celtics were also said to be in on trade discussions for him, but the Lakers were forever the front-runner. AD's new teammate, LeBron James, expressed his excitement on Instagram, stating "AD on da way! Let's get it bro! Just the beginning."
The Celtics' downfall when it came to trade talks was their unwillingness to include Jayson Tatum in a trade package, and Davis probably would've been a one-year rental in Boston. But in Los Angeles, reports already are that he plans on signing a new contract with the Lakers once he becomes a free agent in 2020.
Following his trade request this past season, Davis did not play much for the Pelicans, both because of injuries and the unhappiness with the organization. He ended up averaging 25.9 points and 12 rebounds, and in his career has recorded 23.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. The Lakers are hoping to get a big three going, with options such as Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, and Kemba Walker to sign. Although, Walker has already stated he would take less money to stay in Charlotte, Irving has a mutual interest with the Brooklyn Nets, and Leonard's top options are to stay in Toronto or go to the Los Angeles Clippers. That could leave the Lakers' best bet to Butler, who could not make the most of a big combination with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons with the Philadelphia 76ers.
With Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson both down for most or all of next season, the options have thinned out, but Los Angeles had Davis is their back pocket. And if they wanted to, they could wait to announce the trade until July 30th, which would give them $32.5 million in cap room to use in free agency, which might be the way they'll go to build their championship-caliber roster for next season. On the other end, the Pelicans could very well have a contending team next year with the combination of what they got from the Lakers, some young talent they already have, including Julius Randle, and two of the top four picks in Thursday's draft, including the expected pick of Zion Williamson out of Duke at No. 1 overall.
The trade will not be completed until July 6th, after the free agency period officially begins on the first, as this fulfills the wishes of Davis. The man that used to be famous for his uni-brow requested a trade, specifically to the Lakers, back in January. The Boston Celtics were also said to be in on trade discussions for him, but the Lakers were forever the front-runner. AD's new teammate, LeBron James, expressed his excitement on Instagram, stating "AD on da way! Let's get it bro! Just the beginning."
The Celtics' downfall when it came to trade talks was their unwillingness to include Jayson Tatum in a trade package, and Davis probably would've been a one-year rental in Boston. But in Los Angeles, reports already are that he plans on signing a new contract with the Lakers once he becomes a free agent in 2020.
Following his trade request this past season, Davis did not play much for the Pelicans, both because of injuries and the unhappiness with the organization. He ended up averaging 25.9 points and 12 rebounds, and in his career has recorded 23.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. The Lakers are hoping to get a big three going, with options such as Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, and Kemba Walker to sign. Although, Walker has already stated he would take less money to stay in Charlotte, Irving has a mutual interest with the Brooklyn Nets, and Leonard's top options are to stay in Toronto or go to the Los Angeles Clippers. That could leave the Lakers' best bet to Butler, who could not make the most of a big combination with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons with the Philadelphia 76ers.
With Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson both down for most or all of next season, the options have thinned out, but Los Angeles had Davis is their back pocket. And if they wanted to, they could wait to announce the trade until July 30th, which would give them $32.5 million in cap room to use in free agency, which might be the way they'll go to build their championship-caliber roster for next season. On the other end, the Pelicans could very well have a contending team next year with the combination of what they got from the Lakers, some young talent they already have, including Julius Randle, and two of the top four picks in Thursday's draft, including the expected pick of Zion Williamson out of Duke at No. 1 overall.
