6. Anthony Davis will be with the Lakers for just one season
When it became obvious to Anthony Davis that the New Orleans Pelicans were never going to be a title contender, he requested that the team trade him. Not only that, but his preferred destination was none other than the Los Angeles Lakers.
Eventually, the Lakers-AD partnership became a reality after the team sacrificed multiple first-round draft picks in the process. While Davis is certainly one of the most talented big men in the league from an offensive standpoint, he has expressed that one of his goals next season is winning the Defensive Player of the Year award.
"“I want to be Defensive Player of the Year,” Davis said, via Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. “I think if I’m able to do that, I can help this team win. The offensive end will come around, but defensively, I want to hold myself, teammates, including LeBron, accountable in order for us to take on the challenge of being the best we can defensively.”"
Davis also went on to say that his focus is for the Lakers to be one of the best defensive teams in the league. For obvious reasons, it’s a huge positive when a superstar player with Davis’ skill set emphasizes defense over offense.
While Lakers fans are excited about acquiring such a talent, the news isn’t all positive and they shouldn’t be surprised if AD’s stay in Los Angeles is a short one. Now before you accuse me of being nothing more than a hater, I ask that you hear me out for a minute.
You see, a short time after arriving in Los Angeles, Davis wasn’t willing to engage in a conversation about him being with the Lakers beyond next season.
So, despite playing for the team he requested a trade to; playing alongside one of the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of sneakers in James and the belief that the Lakers have a roster capable of competing for a championship; Davis downplayed any talk about being a Laker beyond the 2019-20 season campaign.
In the end, Davis and the Lakers may agree to a long-term deal. At the same time, if the Lakers don’t live up to expectations, AD will more than likely be on the move once again.