What happened: The New Orleans Pelicans agreed to trade Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers seven years ago today. The deal sent a massive haul of young talent and multiple first-round draft picks to New Orleans in exchange for the All-Star big man. The move immediately paired Davis with LeBron James and culminated in the Lakers' 2020 NBA championship.
Why it matters: The trade serves as a landmark for the "player empowerment" era and the high cost of securing championship-tier talent. While the Lakers achieved immediate success, the long-term ripple effects continue to influence both rosters and the broader Western Conference landscape. Both franchises have since entered new competitive phases as the 2026 offseason begins.
By the numbers: During the 2025-26 season, the Lakers reached the Western Conference Semifinals while the Pelicans finished 11th in the West with a 26-56 record. Davis, currently with the Washington Wizards, averaged 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds in 20 appearances during an injury-shortened campaign.
What to watch: The Lakers enter the 2026 offseason looking to retool after a second-round exit. New Orleans holds high lottery odds as they look to reset around their young core.