When it comes to blockbuster trades, arguably no trade has been more significant in the last five years than the Los Angeles Lakers’ acquisition of Anthony Davis. Immediately following Davis’ trade, Los Angeles ended a seven-year playoff drought and won its first championship in a decade.
Because as clearly as the ends justify the means, many fans continue to wonder what might have happened if the Lakers had adjusted their approach to acquiring Davis in 2019.
The Davis trade was one of the most expensive in recent memory. Los Angeles parted ways with its entire young core, sending former first-round draft picks Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram, along with three future first-round picks, to the New Orleans Pelicans.
THE the dust has finally settled on the Davis trade, but that hasn’t stopped those around the NBA from wondering what would happen if the two sides had to go back to it one last time.
Recent rumors and speculation surrounding Ingram have made this outcome possible. Once selected second overall by the Lakers in the 2016 NBA draft, he has gone from potential franchise player in Los Angeles to an All-Star with the Pelicans.
As Ingram and the Pelicans face the harsh reality that they may need to part ways in the near future, the wheels are turning toward a reunion in Los Angeles.
Ingram is entering the final season of his current contract with the Pelicans, so speculation about a potential trade was inevitable. However, few expected a report that would make his potential departure much more likely.
Shams Charania of The Athletic In July, it was reported that the trade market for Ingram had dried up after two interested teams, the Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs, spent their money elsewhere. That would have been intriguing enough in itself.
What made the possibility of Ingram returning to Los Angeles even more realistic was the other piece of information in Charania’s report: New Orleans is only considering a trade because it’s unwilling to accept the asking price for an extension.
“Both sides have remained open to a future together, but Ingram’s desire for a high-priced extension means the Pelicans must at least maintain dialogue with him and his representatives about whether he stays in New Orleans or moves elsewhere.”
In other words: New Orleans is considering the legitimate possibility that Ingram could leave as a free agent, and might be willing to trade him to avoid losing him for nothing.
Enter the Lakers.
