NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 09: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts before a game against the Golden State Warriors at the Smoothie King Center on April 09, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
After endless rumors, the Lakers have finally landed Anthony Davis, sending Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and two additional first-round picks back to New Orleans.
Saturday night may have kicked off the absurdness that is sure to unfold nearly every NBA offseason. Just two days removed from the conclusion of the NBA Finals, the Lakers are making shockwaves around the league, acquiring one of the best and most versatile big men in recent memory. The Lakers had long been in the mix for Anthony Davis, as had the Boston Celtics. With the recent confirmation from agent Rich Paul that Davis was not interested in spending more than a year in Boston, and the Celtics’ apparent unwillingness to include Jayson Tatum, the Lakers became heavy frontrunners. Here’s a rundown of the deal:
Lakers: Anthony Davis
Pelicans: Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, the Lakers 2019 No. 4 overall pick, and two additional future first-round picks
The news was broken by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi.
While the trade rumors has been swirling for months, the internet was in a frenzy over the fact that the Lakes had the best odds to win the NBA championship this morning, before the Davis trade.
Vegas must have known something, as they normally do. Davis adds a much-needed presence inside for the Lakers, on both ends of the floor. The Lakers were one of the worst defensive teams in the league last season, so substantial improvements should be on the horizon with the versatility Davis brings. Look for the Lakers to be aggressive in free agency, potentially adding a third star such as Jimmy Butler, Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker.
The Pelicans seem to have found their point guard of the future in Lonzo Ball, as well as their small forward for the coming years in Brandon Ingram. The three first-round picks give them flexibility on draft night and going forward. With Zion Williamson seemingly in the fold, things are looking upward in New Orleans as well, though they could always choose to move Ball to another team before things are all said and done this summer.