Anthony Davis Set to Join the Lakers After A Big Trade

At last, the Los Angeles Lakers have put their hands on Anthony Davis. One of the best centers in the NBA in the previous 20 years, will become a Laker soon, after his current team New Orleans accepted a trade offer sent from LA.

According to several sources, Davis will head to California in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart the fourth pick from this NBA draft and two future first round picks.

It is basically what most predicted to happen, especially after a draft lottery where Lakers unexpectedly got that 4th pick.

Also, the LAL kept Kyle Kuzma, who was the cornerstone of all previous trade offers to the Pelicans. The sharpshooter will stay in LA besides LeBron.

Pelicans reportedly trade Anthony Davis to the Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks.

Hear more on the trade TONIGHT at 12am ET on NBA TV! 📺 pic.twitter.com/B4AVaMpeU0

— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 16, 2019

The saga surrounding Davis and his wish to join the Lakers began last season when AD requested to leave Louisiana where he spent his first 7 years in the league. Back then, LeBron and Magic Johnson publicly called the player to join them, which later forced the league to fine Lakers.

Johnson, who was in charge of the basketball operations, tried to trade for Davis offering all the young players but the Pelicans refused that deal. The reason was the Lakers’ disrespecting attitude towards NO when they practically tried to force them to give up on AD by tampering their star player.

Many teams were inquiring about the Eyebrow, among them Celtics, Clippers and several others. Still, the player was always suggesting that he wants to join LeBron and chase the title with him.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BywVc1ygDGp/

Things radically changed after the draft lottery, when New Orleans got the No.1 pick despite all odds. It gave them a chance to pick Zion Williamson who will no doubt be a game changer right from the first appearance.

Their management was more relaxed with the Davis’ trade, knowing that another big superstar is in their pocket and that they have equally talented cornerstone for the future.

A lot of potential will now surround Williamson. Ball, Ingram, and Hart are young guys who showed that they could play at a high level in the NBA. Also, according to several experts, some of these youngsters might be a part of another big trade, which will land some already proven player to New Orleans.

It is said that the Pelicans’ management wants to add an All-Star to the starting lineup. One experienced player, whose role would be to lead and develop this young crew into potential title chasers, rather than just a playoff team.

That No.4 pick opens up a lot of opportunities for the Pelicans, and possible reunification of two Duke teammates. New Orleans could pick Cam Reddish, who already played with Zion as a Blue Devil.

As for the Lakers, they finally got what they wanted for a long time. LBJ now has a co-star with whom he can attack the title. Whether is this a risky move or not, we shall see in the future, but it was evident that Ball and Ingram have difficulties fitting in alongside James. Hart’s position was even worse, as he couldn’t get enough minutes to showcase his skills.

The Lakers — Rob Pelinka especially — HAD to trade for Anthony Davis. The Pelicans knew it and … voila https://t.co/qLnl0Z8X5C

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 16, 2019

In times when Ball and Ingram should have stepped up in the past, their reaction wasn’t good enough. Magic Johnson’s plans to create a young core which will help LeBron, and eventually take over at one point, just fell apart.

Now, the Lakers have a team worthy of attacking the title. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are in an excellent position of building the same pretty soon.

Many bookies immediately changed their odds on purple and gold winning the title, and some of them are suggesting that the LA-based franchise is the No.1 favorite to do so.

Expect more big-time news from the NBA. This is just the beginning of a hot summer.