After an underwhelming season, big changes are coming to the Los Angeles Lakers. ESPN is reporting that the team has just agreed to a massive trade which will send Anthony Davis to the west coast, where he will join LeBron James in Los Angeles.
In return, three players — Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart — will be joining the New Orleans Pelicans. New Orleans also gets three first-round draft picks as part of the deal, including the fourth overall pick in Thursday’s draft.
As ESPN describes it, “New Orleans’ trade package from the Lakers represents one of the most substantial returns on a single star player in modern league history.”
It’s a trade that’s been rumored for several months now: Davis requested a trade away from New Orleans earlier this year, and has expressed an interest in signing a multi-year deal with the Lakers once his current contract expires in 2020.
As for the Pelicans, it’s likely that this massive trade won’t be the end of the team’s off-season dealings, with rumors that the fourth overall draft pick may be an enticing offer to spark another trade.
For two teams coming off of disappointing seasons, this trade might serve as a way for both to spark a new and winning direction. Sometimes ambitious off-season moves pay off dramatically: just ask the Toronto Raptors or Liverpool F.C. Sometimes, they’re more interesting than effective. Either way, this trade gives Lakers and Pelicans fans alike plenty to discuss for the coming season.
Per league rules, the trade can’t become official until next month.
Editor’s Note: RealClearLife, a news and lifestyle publisher, is now a part of InsideHook. Together, we’ll be covering current events, pop culture, sports, travel, health and the world. Subscribe here for our free daily newsletter.
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
