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.

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.