Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Concerns from the Anthony Davis trade

1. Did the Lakers Give Up Too Much?

Extracting six players is a high price to pay for any one player, no matter how good Davis is.  Aside from the draft picks, all three of the Lakers players were LA draftees, and fans have watched them start to grow. None has yet peaked. Both Ingram and Ball will be just 22 years old when the season starts.

BI is on the verge of stardom, as demonstrated by his performance in his final 14 games with the Lakers, when he was a dominant force both offensively and defensively. He is well on track to become an All-Star and should be an excellent companion to the Pelicans’ presumed #1 pick, Zion Williamson.

There remains a huge division of opinion about Ball. It is generally agreed that he is an excellent defender and passer, but his offensive ability is hotly debated. But one thing is certain: the Lakers were a better team with him on the court than when he was out. It is safe to conclude that he is still getting better.

Hart had a solid rookie year and was the MVP a year ago in the Summer League. He started last season well, earning a starting role. But various injuries plagued him throughout the season and limited his effectiveness. When healthy, he’s at least a solid 3 and D player, and is tough as nails.

Nobody knows who the Pelicans will get with the three draft picks or how good they will turn out to be. But chances are good that one or two will at least become contributing rotation players.

In the end, it comes down to what you value more: a single proven star in his prime or the depth of talent that multiple very good (and getting better) players provide.

There’s also one other consideration under this category. Davis’ contract expires next year. He says he intends to re-sign with the Lakers. But it’s certainly possible that he changes his mind. Then LA would have given away its future for one year of AD.