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NBA·TRANSACTION·June 15, 2026 09:54 PM ET

Seven Years Since Pelicans and Lakers Agreed to Blockbuster Trade for AD

Retrospective on the 2019 deal that yielded a championship.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 161 min read
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What happened: Seven years ago today, the New Orleans Pelicans reached an agreement to trade superstar Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers. The blockbuster deal sent a massive haul of players and draft picks to New Orleans, eventually leading the Lakers to their 2020 NBA title.

Why it matters: The transaction remains a landmark for superstar acquisitions and player-driven roster building in the modern era. While the New Orleans Pelicans have since shifted focus to a new generation, the 2019 agreement continues to define the history of both Western Conference franchises.

By the numbers: In the 2025-26 season, the Lakers finished 4th in the West at 53-29, while the Pelicans struggled to an 11th-place finish with a 26-56 record.

What to watch: Both organizations are now preparing for the 2026 NBA Draft as they look to retool for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.

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