Lakers/Pelicans Blockbuster Trade Breakdown
Three days after the NBA Finals, news of the blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis broke, and basketball social media exploded. Whether you’re a Lakers fan, Pelicans fan, or neither, you have no choice but to be intrigued for the future of the league next season. In case you missed it, The Los Angeles Lakers received Anthony Davis through a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, in return for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, the No. 4 pick in the 2019 Draft, and additional picks.
With the Lakers giving up three players from their young core, on top of three first round picks, some fans are skeptical of whether or not the trade was actually in favor of LA. Let me just state this and not let it be taken lightly, LeBron James is a Laker. We’ve watched him take teams to the Finals with less at his disposal. With LA able to hold onto Kyle Kuzma, who I believe was a steal in the 2017 draft, and many considered to be the best of the young Lakers core, the new “Big Three” LA is LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Kyle Kuzma. Those three names alone are contenders for a ring, and the Lakers still have room to sign a big free agent such as Kemba Walker, or Kyrie Irving. On top of that, they still have Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, and Kentavious Caldwell Pope to round out the lineup.
The Pelicans may have lost their franchise player, but considering they now have so many young assets, the future could be very bright for New Orleans. With the No. 1 pick in their hands, it’s almost a known fact that Zion Williamson will be a Pelican. With the addition of Lonzo, Hart, Ingram, the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft, and additional picks, Zion is going to receive the future the Pelicans never delivered on for Anthony Davis.
It’s hard to say which team won the trade yet, but I would say neither team lost here. New Orleans is building a bright future around Zion Williamson, and Anthony Davis wanted out. Los Angeles is in win-now mode with the King on the roster. Now that they have the pieces needed to contend, along with space to sign an all-star guard from the free agent market for a max slot, I believe the Lakers potential could prove almost unfair.
Who do you think won the trade? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Image – LA Lakers/New Orleans Pelicans. Photo Credit Lineups.
