When Anthony Davis heard the buzzer go off after Game 6of the NBA Finals on Sundaynight, he realized that he had won a championship, the first title of his career. He did soalongside LeBron James, one of the few players in the league who could be considered equal or superior to Davis in terms of on-court impact. And he did sowiththe Lakers, one of the most succe sfulfranchises in sports history.
It'sa storybook ending for Davis and the start of something special in Los Angeles considering the 27-year-old is just now entering his prime. Of course, none of itwould have been po sible without Davis and his agent, Rich Paul, blowing up the Pelicans' Brandon Jones Jersey 2018-19 campaign with a midseason trade request.
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Back in January2019, Davis took the bold approach of going public with his request. This wasn't"sources say" flashing acro s the screenPaul just that his client wanted out of New Orleans and didn't planto signa five-year, $240 million supermax extension with the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2012.
"Anthony wants to be traded to a team that allows him a chance to win consistently and compete for a championship," Paul, who just so happened to also represent James, said at the time. "Anthony wanted to be honest and clear with his intentions and that's the reason for informing them of this decision now. That's in the best interests of both Anthony's and the organization's future."
The Albert Wilson Jersey NBA investigated the situation, for screaming the typically quiet part into a megaphone. Paul's declaration kicked off the AD sweepstakes as front offices put together their bestpackages in the hopes of landing Davis prior to the Feb. 7 trade deadline.
Then, things got really ugly.
Despite constant rumors, Davis remained on Bob Griese Jersey the Pelicans roster through the deadline. , Davis both confirmed there was a list of four preferred teams (reportedly the Bucks, Clippers, Knicks and Lakers) but later added all 29 other NBA teams were on hislist.He was in and out of New Orleans' lineup the rest of the season. He was caught on camera . He wore a to the Pelicans' final home game, then claimed he doesn't choosehis own clothes when asked about his attire.
If Davis was trying not to burn bridges, well, he didn't do a great job. New Orleans mi sed the playoffs, and the speculation continued.
Le s than 48 hours after the Raptors defeated the Warriors in the2019 NBA Finals, though, the strange saga finally reached a conclusion. The Pelicans agreed to send Davis to the Lakers in exchange forLonzo Ball,Brandon Ingram,Josh Hart and multiple first-round picks.
Following his introductory news conference in July2019, if he wished he had done anything differently.
"No. I wish I Christian Wilkins Jersey did it the way I did it," Davis said. "I'm a person who's very upfront and honest. You know, I want to tell you what it is. I love the city of New Orleans, but from a profe sional standpoint and occupation in basketball, I felt like it was time for me to move on."
Maybe Davis wasn Jason Sanders Jersey 't always as "upfront and honest" about his intentions as he'd like to think, but the trade request undoubtedly gave him everything he wanted.
In his first season with the Lakers, Davis averaged 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 a sists, 2.3 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. He earned a spot on the All-NBA First Team, and he was runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. He wasjust as productive,,in the 2020 NBA playoffs.
When the offseason rolls around this time, there should be a lot le s drama. Davis is widely expected to re-sign with the Lakers, making Los Angeles a contender for years to come.
"I'd take legacy over money," in 2018 when some Miami Dolphins Pet Gear executives were already wondering if Davis had eyes for LA amid tampering accusations aimedat James. "I want to have a legacy. All my people that look up to me, the younger kids, I want them to know about AD's legacy. Championships, the things I do in the community, being a good teammate, playing hard. All that stuff matters the most to me.
"Don't get me wrong, money is amazing. But I think in that sense, money or legacy, I think my legacy will win that battle every time."
It turns out legacy won. And so did Davis, in just about every way po sible.