Anthony Davis Trade Was Perfect for Both the Lakers and Pelicans
By Zack Jiang
The Anthony Davis sweepstakes are officially over. The Lakers put up a massive offer that the Pelicans just couldn't refuse and acquired AD. Now, both teams should be happy going forward.
New Orleans now has an incredible young core and multiple valuable assets to play around with. Meanwhile, LeBron James gets to pair up with Davis to make a real run at a championship.
The Pelicans have agreed to a deal to trade Anthony Davis to the Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks – including the No. 4 overall in 2019 Draft, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 15, 2019
The haul the Pelicans received was no small package. They now have the No. 1 and No. 4 pick in the upcoming draft and and a core of Lonzo Ball, Jrue Holiday, Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram. Add Zion Williamson and another young stud to that lineup, and you already have a pretty solid team.
I'm at a family thing (wishful freaking thinking), but initial reaction is that there is almost no chance this is a bad deal for NOP given the circumstance and market for AD. A good haul, and some chance it gets better if Lakers falter in long-term (unlikely w/ AD but still)
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 15, 2019
The trade is also a major move for the Lakers. The team finally acquired its second star to pair with LeBron and still can sign another max player in free agency. The championship door is wide open with the Warriors hampered by injuries, and with this move, the Lakers likely have become one of the top title contenders.
And the Lakers still have over $30 million of cap space to spend on free agents starting June 30th.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 15, 2019
The deal also opens up a lot of flexibility for both teams moving forward. Neither team should be done dealing and both will be looking to add even more talent during the offseason. Although the two teams have feuded throughout the negotiations, they were able to work out a deal that was mutually beneficial.