Pelica Debrief
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Potential Trade Packages For New Orleans Pelicans Superstar Anthony Davis

By Mark Nilon

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 21: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes up for a dunk during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 21, 2017 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 21: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes up for a dunk during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 21, 2017 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 5: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 5, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 5: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 5, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Lakers

Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka are looking to bring a winning culture back to the city of stars. Though LA has struck out on a few big names in recent years, their fortunes could very well change rather soon.

On July 1st, the NBA’s free-agency period will officially begin. Here, unrestricted free-agents will be able to choose where they wish to bring their talents. This years biggest free-agent LeBron James will be LA’s number one target. According to Bleacher Report, the Lakers have the best odds of landing the future Hall of Famer.

If LA manages to ink James to a deal, it does not automatically make them title favorites. They’re still in the tough Western Conference along with the likes of Golden State and Houston. Los Angeles’ supporting cast would need to be improved if they wish to immediately contend. While rumors are circulating that Kawhi Leonard could be a trade target, perhaps they’d look to NOLA and inquire about Anthony Davis.

In this deal, New Orleans would be receiving a decent amount of young talent. In his second season in the league, Brandon Ingram saw huge improvements from year one. He saw his points-per-game averages increase by seven, rebounds increase by 1.3 and his three-point percentage increase by 10%. Per 36-minutes Ingram averaged an impressive 17.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG and 4.2 APG on 47% shooting from the field and 39% shooting from downtown. Add in the fact that he’s only 20 and you have a star in the making with Ingram.

Next, NOLA would acquire yet another 20-year-old in the shape of Lonzo Ball. For some, Ball’s rookie season was a bit of a let-down. Coming out of college, the point guard was deemed “better than Steph Curry” and “the best player in the world.” Granted, these two quotes are directly from the great Lavar Ball himself but still, with these claims came an insane amount of hype. Because of this, Ball’s averages of 10.2 PPG, 7.2 APG and 6.9 RPG were considered to be underwhelming to many. However, in retrospect, they weren’t bad at all.

To put things into perspective, Jason Kidd (a popular comparison to Ball) averaged 11.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG and 7.7 APG his rookie year. With these statistics, Kidd was deemed to NBA’s Rookie of the Year. Had it not been for the eye-popping performances of Donovan Mitchell and Ben Simmons, Ball would be a definite contender to take home the hardware. His rookie season was by no means a let down.

With a year of NBA tread on his tires, an improved sophomore season for the multi-talented point guard is very much a possibility. With this trade New Orleans would be losing a great talent in Anthony Davis, but would be receiving two promising young stars to add to their roster. Loul Deng would be an upsetting add-on in the deal, but he is necessary for salary purposes. The inclusion of a future first rounder, however, certainly softens the blow.

Verdict: A solid return package and is worth consideration

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