Today marks an important day in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers.
On this day two years ago, the New Orleans Pelicans agreed to a trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers in a blockbuster move.
Trade talks had been brewing for quite some time, but nothing became official until the offseason as the Lakers had missed the playoffs that year.
Davis was the sole piece that came to L.A., while Los Angeles sent Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, the draft rights to De’Andre Hunter, two first-round draft picks, the rights to a first-round pick swap and cash to the Pelicans.
Los Angeles also sent Isaac Bonga, Moritz Wagner, Jemerrio Jones and a future second-round draft pick to the Washington Wizards to complete the deal. The Wizards also sent cash considerations to the Pelicans.
One of the picks L.A. sent to New Orleans is staying with the Lakers, however. The 2021 draft pick the Lakers agreed to trade was top-8 protected, meaning if the Lakers finished eighth or lower this season, the rights to the pick would go to New Orleans.
However, since L.A. made the playoffs, it finished outside of those qualifications. Los Angeles will have the 22nd pick in this year’s draft.
Debates focusing on the Lakers giving up too much for Davis have been prevalent since the move became official, but landing a star of his caliber isn’t easy to accomplish.
The Lakers won the NBA title in Davis’ first season with the team, and it’s precarious if L.A. would have ever won a title had they kept the young talent they shipped out to bring Davis in.
The 28-year-old big man’s second season with L.A. didn’t go smoothly because of injuries accompanied by an early exit from the playoffs, but he recently received some recognition for his defensive prowess.
But the first-round elimination could benefit Davis and the Lakers in the long run as the players will have more time to rest before next season tips off.
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