According to Crickex Affiliate, Anthony Davis was selected first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans and immediately became one of the NBA’s most talked-about prospects. With elite basketball instincts and physical tools, many hoped Davis could become the next Kevin Garnett. Under the Pelicans’ guidance, he blossomed into a dominant force on both ends of the floor, even putting up MVP-caliber seasons. Back then, his durability was far better than it is today.
However, despite his personal brilliance, Davis and the Pelicans never made it past the second round of the playoffs. Repeated postseason disappointments slowly drained his confidence. The final straw came when the front office, in a cost-cutting move, refused to re-sign Rajon Rondo — a point guard with whom Davis shared great on-court chemistry. Disillusioned, Davis requested a trade.
His decision sparked a frenzy around the league. As a top-10 player at the time, nearly every contender expressed interest. But the saga stretched into the 2019 offseason. Though New Orleans had tried midseason to change Davis’ mind, he remained firm. In the end, the Pelicans agreed to trade him to the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the few teams he had listed as a preferred destination. Crickex Affiliate notes two main reasons for the deal: the Lakers’ attractive trade package and Davis’ clear desire to land in L.A. That preference scared off other teams from going all-in.
In what some called a reckless move at the time, the Lakers gave up a treasure trove of young talent — but they reaped immediate rewards. Davis helped the team win the 2020 NBA Championship in his very first season in purple and gold. While the Lakers have since experienced up-and-down campaigns, that title remains proof that the move paid off. Davis, now just 30 years old, still has time to lead another title run. From an ROI standpoint, Crickex Affiliate experts agree: the Lakers won the trade.
Of course, the Pelicans received their own prize: Brandon Ingram. The former No. 2 overall pick was the crown jewel of the Lakers’ trade package. New Orleans reportedly made it clear from day one — any deal had to include Ingram. And for the young forward, the move to New Orleans was a blessing in disguise. While in L.A., he struggled to find a consistent role. But in New Orleans, he immediately became the focal point.
Ingram flourished with expanded responsibilities, earning the NBA’s Most Improved Player award and an All-Star selection. He seemed poised for stardom. Yet, Crickex Affiliate observes that three years have now passed without any major accolades. Ingram’s growth appears to have plateaued, raising questions about whether he can still elevate his game to the next level.
Though Davis brought immediate success to the Lakers, the futures of those sent in return — especially Ingram — remain clouded with uncertainty. For now, both franchises are still feeling the long-term impact of one of the most talked-about trades in recent NBA history.