The biggest news revolving around the sports world today is the trade of Anthony Davis. The now former superstar of the New Orleans Pelicans, will head west in hopes of winning a championship with Lebron James. This is a groundbreaking move in the NBA world, and has somewhat stolen the thunder from the recently crowned champions the Toronto Raptors. I’d like to express my thoughts on this trade from three separate perspectives. The Pelicans, The Lakers, and finally Anthony Davis

1. The Pelicans: I believe long term the Pelicans are going to look at this trade as a turning point for their franchise. Quite simply, Anthony Davis no longer wanted to be a part of this franchise. He made that very clear in wearing a “That’s All Folks” t-shirt to their final game. Even if they forced him to play next year there would be a lack of commitment to the team. With this trade the Pelicans have actually improved upon their weaknesses. The added a bright, young point guard in Lonzo Ball. He is gifted with his passing ability, superb defense, and overall basketball IQ. Lonzo will benefit from stepping away from the bright lights of Los Angeles and focus on what he is best at playing basketball. Brandon Ingram is another piece, a long, rangy, and athletic forward with superstar potential. The former 2nd overall pick in 2016 has steadily improved each year going from 9.4 points per game his rookie year to averaging 18.4 just last season. He gives the Pelicans athleticism, scoring, and a young leader. Josh Hart is a nice add in, because of his ability to shoot the three and defend. The big haul of this trade is the draft picks. The Pelicans acquired the 4th pick of the 2019 draft, and two future first rounders in the years to come. These picks could become valuable in terms of making future trades, or if the Lakers underachieve in the chase for a championship. The real winner of this trade is future number one pick and Duke superstar Zion Williamson. Instead of entering a franchise with a fractured relationship with their superstar, he is able to walk into a organization rejuvenated with a plethora of young talent. It will take some time, but the Pelicans have the opportunity to be very dangerous in the next few years.

2. The Lakers: Did the Lakers give up everything but the kitchen sink? In this case yes, but this was a move they had to make. As great as Lebron James is, the man is 34 years old and about to enter his 17th year in the NBA. No matter how talented a individual is at some point the engine will slow down. It has often been quoted that father time is undefeated. The chances of top level free agents such as Kawhi Leonard, Kemba Walker, Kyrie Irving, and so forth joining the Lakers with only Lebron are slim to none. Now however, they have a bonafied all star in Anthony Davis, Lebron James, and a young stud in Kyle Kuzma. L.A. just became a more attractive venue for top free agents. The Lakers want to win now, and the best way to do that in this era is building a superteam. Anthony Davis is a terrific post player with the ability to score from inside the paint, the midrange, and even knock down perimeter shots. He is a tireless rebounder and legit shot blocker in the lane. He is a supreme do it all type talent that could possibly put the Lakers over the top. This franchise was in the playoff hunt before Lebron James suffered a serious groin injury. The team simply could not compete without their best player carrying the load. The Lakers may need a third superstar to put them over the top. At this moment, they do not have the cap room to sign a max free agent. Additional moves will be needed to free up cap space, or the Lakers have to convince free agents to lower their asking price in the hopes of forming a super team. It will be interesting to see how impactful this move will affect the Lakers free agent recruiting pitches. This is a high risk, high reward endeavor that the Lakers have embarked on. The Toronto Raptors took a risk in trading for impending free agent Kawhi Leonard and it ultimately led to a championship. Sometimes taking a bold risk can lead to the most satisfying of results. Only time will tell whether this move will be looked on as a desperate attempt by Lakers management, or the trade that brought the Larry O’Brien trophy back to Los Angeles.

3. Anthony Davis: This trade gives him a fresh start and an opportunity to show how truly great he is. The Pelicans never did Anthony any favors, constantly surrounding him with lackluster talent, and making bad personnel decisions year after year. It quite simply was time for that marriage to end and both parties to move on with their lives. There are no more excuses now as Anthony Davis has received his ultimate wish, to wear the purple and gold with Lebron. He is presented with a chance to become a legend instead of simply a perennial all-star. With this move expectations will be high, and for the first time there will be a tremendous amount of pressure on Davis at the NBA level. No one expected him to win big in NOLA, but in the words of Tupac, “All Eyez On Me” will be the talk surrounding Anthony in L.A. It’s simply time to sit back, relax, and see how this trade unfolds for all parties involved in the near future.

Thanks for reading my second post on “Sports in Real Life” I will try to be more active on this domain, and will be doing at least 3 to 4 reactions to major sports topics a week. These topics will largely focus on the NBA, MLB, NFL, and Mixed Martial Arts. I have always had a passion for sports, and feel it is time for me to express my feelings, thoughts, and mind with the world. I hope you enjoy it, and be sure to tune in for the next blog.

Sincerely,

Isaac Allen

Photo Credit: https://www.businessinsider.com/lakers-anthony-davis-trade-timing-affects-free-agent-targets-2019-6