LeBron James and Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis was finally traded last weekend. Davis was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers by the New Orleans Pelicans.
While the Lakers gave up a ton to acquire Davis, this is the kind of roster-changing move that could lead them back to serious contention. LeBron James finally has a true sidekick. No more excuses.
The Pelicans agreed to a deal to trade Davis to the Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round picks, including the No. 4. That’s a big haul.
But for the Lakers, this was about maximizing the three years left on James’ contract while also acquiring a superstar who could be around long after James retires.
I know it seems like Davis has been in the NBA forever. But he just turned 26 in March. Davis is a six-time All-Star and a three-time First Team All-NBA selection.
Trading away their future is a big risk for the Lakers. Lebron is coming off an injury plagued season and Davis has a long injury history. Davis has never played more than 75 games in a season. Last season he played in just 56 games, and that was more than James played. If either one misses significant time from here on out, the Lakers could find themselves in trouble.
If Davis can stay healthy, he will produce. He finished last season averaging 25.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.4 blocks while playing just 33 minutes a game.
Davis is an MVP caliber player every season and now he gets to play with James, who has wanted to team up with him for years. It was a risky move for the Lakers.
Yes, Davis can put up numbers, but can he win and produce in playoff action? He had some talent beside him in New Orleans but never won. Davis will be facing pressure he has never felt before. The pressure of playing with LeBron and what comes with it. Few stars in the game question their teammates like LeBron.
More drama in the City of Stars.
Hornets Need This Draft
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
I combed through several mock drafts and came up with the players I hope the Charlotte Hornets end up with in this week’s draft.
Even if free agent Kemba Walker remains in Charlotte, it is time to add some more talent to the guard position. I like Nickeil Alexander-Walker out of Virginia Tech.
Alexander-Walker is one of the better two-way guards in this years draft and he’s projected to be drafted right around where Charlotte will likely be picking in the draft. He has great size at 6’5”, and is said to be more polished on the defensive end compared to some of the top guards in this draft, like Ja Morant and Coby White. Alexander-White averaged 16.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists this past season for the Hokies.
It is time for owner Michael Jordan and the Hornets to hit on a first round selection. Doing so will go a long way toward getting out of the decade of mediocrity that has seen the franchise hover around the .500 mark.
