LeBron James Presents Anthony Davis With No. 23 Jersey as Lakers Trade Becomes Official
By Adam Weinrib
Though the Lake Show may have lost out on Kawhi Leonard to the more downtrodden franchise within their own arena walls this week, that doesn't mean they didn't have a monster deal of their own to celebrate.
As the Anthony Davis trade was officially completed, LeBron James signified this historical footnote with a ceremonial jersey transfer.
Per photographic evidence, it would seem Bron met AD in a...Summer League parking lot, and handed him his first official Lakers jersey, featuring a memorable LBJ numeral on the back.
LeBron giving 23 to a very special new Laker. It's official.
— 12up (@12upSport) July 8, 2019
(via @KingJames) pic.twitter.com/HgghGSIcNp
Yes, he's handing off the pressure of No. 23 once more to someone who's very ready to embrace history.
We've been betting on yet another Davis breakout for a few years now, and with a playmaker like James by his side forced to give max effort as a ballhandler by the rest of his roster, AD could make a Hall of Fame leap in the year to come.
@AntDavis23 @boogiecousins @DGreen_14 @JaredDudley619 @troydaniels @QCook323 Officially welcome to the #LakeShow & @CaldwellPope @RajonRondo @JaValeMcGee @ACFresh21 “Run it back”. The journey begins now. ?
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 7, 2019
We're ready for the show.