It didn’t take long for one of the biggest offseason dominoes in the form of Pelicans forward Anthony Davis to fall in the NBA.
ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news on Sunday that Davis would head to Tinseltown to join the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and a package of picks including the #4 overall pick in this week’s NBA Draft.
The 6’10” big man will team up with LeBron James with the Lakers and be part of one of the most fascinating duos in NBA history.
Davis is one of the most talented and dominant players in the NBA. Los Angeles undoubtedly has become a contender just by acquiring the big man, who averaged 25.9 points and 12 rebounds per game with New Orleans last season.
The former #1 overall pick, now 26 years old, is a six-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All NBA first team selection. He dominates both offensively and on defense, as he led the NBA in blocks in the 2018 season.
The Lakers’ acquisition of Davis certainly didn’t come cheap, as they’ll offload three players and a package of three first-round picks for him.
Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram lead the package of players that the Pelicans will acquire from LA when the deal is official. Ball has averaged 10 points, 6.4 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game in his two NBA seasons and established himself as one of the best defensive guards in the league. Ingram had a breakout 2018, scoring 18.3 points per game and establishing himself as a bonafide scoring threat.
This a huge deal that will alter the NBA’s landscape, making the Lakers one of next year’s championship favorites and sending a drool-worthy package of assets down to New Orleans.
