Los Angeles Lakers: Players who benefited most from Anthony Davis trade

We are one year removed from the Los Angeles Lakers trading for Anthony Davis.

On June 15, 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers finalized a multi-player trade with New Orleans for superstar Anthony Davis. After a year has passed, which players benefited most from the trade?

The Davis trade was that rare kind of deal that immensely benefited both teams. Prior to suspension of the current NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers compiled the best record in the Western Conference and second-best in the league.

They are expected to compete for the title once the season resumes. And, assuming AD re-signs with the team, LA should remain a contender for many years to come.

The Pelicans have a roster filled with talented young players. They are currently tied for 10th in the West and will have the opportunity to make up their 3 ½ game deficit to qualify for the playoffs. Even if they don’t, they should be a force in the league for the foreseeable future.

But which of the individual players involved benefited the most? Let’s look at each of the principals.

Anthony Davis

After spending seven seasons in New Orleans, where the Pelicans made the playoffs only twice even though Davis made the all-star team six straight years, he told management that he would not re-sign with them when his current contract expired. Instead, he wanted to be traded to a contender, and the Lakers were reportedly his preferred destination. So right from the start, AD’s wish came true and he was an obvious winner.

There was at least a chance that the old adage “Be careful what you wish for” might have proven true for Davis. It was possible that what he sought may have had unanticipated negative consequences. However, by all standards, the trade has been everything AD wanted it to be.

Davis has remained one of the league’s top 10 players, possibly even top five. Once again he is having a statistically outstanding season, averaging nearly 27 points (ninth in the NBA), over 9 rebounds (17th in the league) and 2.4 blocks (tied for second) per game. He is also a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year and even averages 3.1 assists.

Equally important is that AD has meshed seamlessly with LeBron James, forming the league’s top one-two scoring punch. On a team with excellent chemistry, he seems to get along well with all his teammates and also with the entire Lakers coaching staff and front office.

On the financial side, the superstar he was always going to get a max deal somewhere. It seems certain that he will stay with the Lakers, either by signing a long-term deal this offseason or exercising his player option and signing with the team a year later, whichever path will benefit him the most. He will also be able to capitalize on greater off-court financial opportunities in LA.

Clearly, Davis has benefited greatly from the trade. On a scale of 1 to 5, he receives the top grade of 5.

What about the players that the Lakers traded to get him?