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  • Are the Lakers Really Saving the NBA? Kendrick Perkins Seems to Think So

    Are the Lakers Really Saving the NBA? Kendrick Perkins Seems to Think So

    The Los Angeles Lakers are on a seven game winning streak and the Luka Doncic trade has totally changed the Western Conference playoff race. Overnight they went from being a bad team to one of the most exciting teams in the league. But according to ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins the Lakers aren’t just saving their season they are saving the NBA.

    Why Perkins Believes the Lakers Are Saving the NBA?

    On NBA Today yesterday Perkins made the declaration: “Right now the Los Angeles Lakers are saving the NBA”

    Perkins went on to explain why he thinks that’s true. A month ago before the Lakers got Luka Doncic the NBA Finals didn’t seem like a must watch event for many fans. But now? With Showtime back in LA and the possibility of marquee matchups—Boston vs. Lakers—the excitement around the league has gone through the roof.

    “So now you can honestly say you’re more excited because we could get Boston vs. Lakers with the superstar power,” Perkins said. “When you have Showtime back in LA now all of a sudden the excitement, the energy and everything else is back towards the NBA.”

    Why the Lakers’ Run Matters

    There is no denying the Lakers are the talk of the town. Their hot streak has brought new life to the league at a time it needed it. After an underwhelming All-Star Weekend and a subsequent NHL tournament that stole the spotlight, the NBA was in dire need of a shot in the arm. Enter the Lakers.

    Lakers as the League’s Savior

    • Star Power: LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic are the most exciting trio in the NBA.
    • Rivalries: A Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals is enough to bring in massive viewership.
    • Showtime is Back: The Lakers’ fast pace and high scoring reminds us of the Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar days and brings back nostalgia for old school fans.

    ESPN/ABC can’t be happier about the Lakers making a deep playoff run. They’ll get more eyeballs than any other team, so higher ratings and more interest in the league.

    What About the Others?

    Perkins’ comments highlight the Lakers’ impact but also raise questions about the smaller market teams. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder were having great seasons before the Lakers’ run—but did anyone notice?

    For Cavs and Thunder fans, the idea that the NBA needed saving might hurt. Both teams have been their usual selves this season and neither has gotten nearly as much attention as the Lakers have recently. This is the ongoing problem between large market teams and small market teams when it comes to getting fan attention.

    Was the NBA really in trouble?

    To be fair, it wasn’t as bad as some made it out to be. The All-Star Weekend wasn’t as good as expected, but the league is still one of the biggest sports entities in the world. But there’s no denying the Lakers are adding an extra layer of excitement to the second half of the season.

  • Lakers Fans Under Fire for Accusing Karl-Anthony Towns Ahead of Knicks Game

    Lakers Fans Under Fire for Accusing Karl-Anthony Towns Ahead of Knicks Game

    The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers rivalry isn’t just happening on the court—it’s been happening online for days. Ahead of Thursday night’s game at Crypto.com Arena, social media became a battleground as fans went head to head over Karl-Anthony Towns’ availability.

    Social Media Drama Ignites Tensions

    Before tip off, Lakers fans were saying KAT was sitting out Tuesday’s game against the Golden State Warriors to rest for the Lakers game. That was despite reports he missed the game for “personal reasons” which later turned out to be a family emergency.

    Lakers Fans Say KAT Was “Resting”

    One fan on X (formerly Twitter) said “Bro was resting for the Lakers.”
    Another said “They always return vs Lakers.” referencing Luka Doncic’s trend of opponents prioritizing games against LA.

    Some even joked about it, with one fan saying “You know why Jesus rose three days later? He was playing the Lakers the next day.”

    But when the news came out about the personal nature of KAT’s absence (his girlfriend Jordyn Woods had posted about a loved one with cancer), many of the Lakers fans who had accused him started apologizing. But the damage was done and Knicks fans were quick to fire back.

    Knicks Fans Strike Back

    New York fans didn’t take kindly to the criticism and roasted Lakers fans for being arrogant.

    • “Weirdo laker fans think the world revolves around their team and ppl plan on returning against them,” said one Knicks fan.
    • A Boston Celtics supporter added, “Laker fans thinking the world revolves around them when one of his family members is dealing with cancer.”
    • Another user fired back, “Lakers fans are a bunch of narcissists.”

    The back and forth only adds to the already high stakes for this game.

    Why This Game Matters

    Thursday’s game features two of the best teams in the league. The Lakers (39-21), led by LeBron James, are on a 17-3 tear. The Knicks (40-21), with Jalen Brunson and now Towns back, are in 3rd place in the East.

    With both teams fighting for position, this game means something – not just for bragging rights but for playoff seeding.

    Karl-Anthony Towns’ Impact

    Towns will be huge for the Knicks especially since they’re 3-4 without him this season. New York is 24.5/13.4 with him on the court, he’s a big part of their success.

    Against a Lakers team that’s 11-2 since they got Luka from the Mavericks – the Knicks will need all of Towns’ production to keep up.

  • Lakers Make Bold Move with Austin Reaves Ahead of Pelicans Showdown

    Lakers Make Bold Move with Austin Reaves Ahead of Pelicans Showdown

    The Los Angeles Lakers have won six in a row and 16 of their last 19. A big part of that is Austin Reaves, who has been on another level since the Luka Doncic trade. But now Reaves’ calf strain has him questionable for Tuesday’s game against Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans.

    Reaves’ Play Since Luka Doncic’s Trade

    Since being paired with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves has been a stud for the Lakers. In five of his first seven games with Doncic, Reaves scored 15+ points. He’s averaging career highs of 19.1 points and 6.0 assists per game overall and is one of LA’s most reliable players.

    But Reaves’ momentum hit a snag in the Lakers’ 106-102 win over the Clippers. He suffered a calf strain in the first quarter and only played nine minutes, scoring eight points. He missed the rematch on Sunday, his sixth game of the 2024-25 season.

    Injury Report Before Pelicans Game

    The Lakers released their injury report for Tuesday’s game against the Pelicans on Monday. Reaves is questionable as he continues to recover from his calf strain. His status will be updated closer to tip-off but his absence would definitely be a huge blow to the rotation.

    Other Injuries to Watch

    • Luka Doncic: Also questionable after a knee contusion Sunday. He briefly left the game to go to the locker room but returned. His status is a big deal for the Lakers moving forward.
    • LeBron James: Probable with his left foot management. LeBron has been playing through discomfort and he’s probable so he’ll play against the Pelicans.

    Why Reaves’ Availability Matters

    Reaves has been a key part of the Lakers’ winning streak. His scoring, playmaking and defense have been a big factor in the team’s success. Without him the Lakers might struggle to maintain the rhythm especially against the Pelicans and Zion Williamson.

    If Reaves can’t play the Lakers will probably rely more on LeBron, Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell to carry the load. Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura might see more minutes to fill the void.

    Upcoming Schedule: Tough Road Ahead for the Lakers

    After Tuesday’s game against the Pelicans the Lakers have a tough stretch:

    • Thursday: Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks at home.
    • Saturday: Road game against the defending champion Boston Celtics.

    These games will test the Lakers’ depth and resilience especially if Reaves and Doncic are limited or out.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Austin Reaves and the Lakers

    Is Austin Reaves playing against the Pelicans?

    Reaves is questionable with his calf strain. His status will be updated closer to game time but be prepared for him to sit out.

    How big is Reaves to the Lakers?

    Reaves has been a key player this season averaging 19.1 points and 6.0 assists per game – both career highs. His scoring and playmaking have been big for the Lakers’ winning streak.

    What happened to Reaves in the Clippers game?

    Reaves suffered a calf strain in the first half of the Lakers’ 106-102 win over the Clippers. He played only 9 minutes and didn’t return to the game.

    Who else is hurt for the Lakers?

    Luka Doncic is also questionable with a knee contusion, LeBron James is probable with his left foot injury. Their status will be updated closer to game time.

    Can the Lakers win without Reaves?

    While the Lakers have depth, losing Reaves hurts their offense and versatility. They’ll need big games from LeBron, Davis and others to make up for his absence.

  • Is LeBron James Ready to Face the Pelicans? Lakers Fans Eager for Answers

    Is LeBron James Ready to Face the Pelicans? Lakers Fans Eager for Answers

    The Los Angeles Lakers are getting ready for a big game against the New Orleans Pelicans but all eyes are on LeBron James and his injury status. The 21-time All-Star has been dealing with a left foot injury for most of the season and is listed as probable for Tuesday’s game. But his availability is the big question as the Lakers look to get a win.

    LeBron James: Probable but Managing a Left Foot Injury

    According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, LeBron James is probable to play against the Pelicans despite the left foot injury. The injury has been a nagging issue all season but LeBron has played through it all year. He’s a true marvel at his age.

    Why It Matters?

    LeBron is essential for the Lakers, especially against a banged up Pelicans team. New Orleans may not be at full strength but every win counts in the Western Conference standings. If LeBron sits out it could be a big blow to the Lakers chances to get a win.

    Other Lakers to Watch

    Luka Doncic: Questionable with Right Knee Contusion

    Five time All-NBA First Team guard Luka Doncic is questionable for Tuesday’s game with a right knee contusion. Doncic has been the Lakers since the trade last month and his absence would be huge.

    Austin Reaves: Struggling with Right Calf Strain

    Austin Reaves, one of the Lakers most improved players this season, is also questionable with a right calf strain. Reaves has been dealing with a calf strain and will be limited if he plays. His two way play has been huge especially on the offensive end.

    Jordan Goodwin: Out with Right Ankle Sprain

    Defensive specialist Jordan Goodwin is out with a right ankle sprain. His size and tenacity on defense was a key rotational piece especially when Gabe Vincent went into JJ Redick’s rotations. Without Goodwin the Lakers lose some defensive versatility.

    Rui Hachimura: Dealing with Left Patellar Tendinopathy

    Starting forward Rui Hachimura is out with left patellar tendinopathy. Hachimura had recently been playing small ball center in Redick’s system so his absence is even bigger.

    Maxi Kleber: Still Recovering from Surgery

    New power forward/center Maxi Kleber is out as he continues to recover from January surgery on his right foot. As the second best player in the Lakers mega-trade for Doncic Kleber’s return will be huge for the frontcourt depth.

  • Why Jeanie Buss Believes Bronny James Is Ready to Make an Impact in the NBA?

    Why Jeanie Buss Believes Bronny James Is Ready to Make an Impact in the NBA?

    Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has been a big fan of rookie Bronny James since the Lakers selected him in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. While Bronny hasn’t seen much action with the main team, he’s been making noise in the G-League with the South Bay Lakers.

    Jeanie Buss on Bronny James: ‘We Love Having Him’

    Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, has had his fair share of criticism since entering the league. But his work ethic and focus have impressed Jeanie Buss, who recently raved about the 20-year-old.

    “Oh, I love having [Bronny on the team,]” Buss told People. “If we could have a team full of players with his work ethic, his focus—we love having him as part of the organization. He’s been great to work with.”

    Bronny’s journey hasn’t been easy, but his recent G-League play has been getting attention. Despite a tough shooting night in a recent loss to the Salt Lake City Stars where he was 6-of-19 from the field, Bronny has been trending up. Over his last six G-League games he’s averaging 22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.2 steals while shooting 45.9% from the field and 42.6% from three.

    Bronny’s development and learning from Luka Dončić

    Bronny’s time with the Lakers has given him the chance to learn from one of the best in the league, Luka Dončić. Traded to the Lakers before the deadline, Dončić has become a key player for the team—and a role model for Bronny.

    When asked what he’s taken from Dončić, Bronny said patience and unpredictability.

    “Just his patience. Just being able to be unpredictable,” Bronny told Raj Chipalu. “I think that’s the thing I’ve seen most about him. You never know what he’s going to do. So, I think that’s the best thing I’ve seen so far from him. He hasn’t been here for long, so I just keep trying to pick up stuff from him.”

    Bronny’s NBA Career So Far

    Bronny made history with his father LeBron James when they became the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game during the Lakers’ 2024-2025 season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Since then Bronny has played 17 games with the Lakers, his last one against the Utah Jazz on February 12 being his best. In that game he scored 9 points on 3-4 shooting and had 1 assist.

    Before joining the Lakers Bronny played one season at USC where he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. His college stats were modest but his growth in the G-League is promising.

    What’s next for Bronny and the Lakers?

    Now the big question is will Bronny get called back up to the main roster. With the next game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday March 2 at 6:30 p.m. PT, we will see if Bronny will get another chance to play with his dad and Dončić.

  • Lakers Eyeing $160M Thunder Star: Could This Be the Missing Piece for LeBron and Luka?

    Lakers Eyeing $160M Thunder Star: Could This Be the Missing Piece for LeBron and Luka?

    The Los Angeles Lakers are making some noise in the West after a 23 point win over the 2023 NBA champions Denver Nuggets. LeBron and Luka are still building their chemistry and the Lakers are looking to add a veteran to the roster. One name that’s been floated as a target is future Hall of Famer Chris Paul who could become available via buyout.

    Why Chris Paul?

    Chris Paul is with the San Antonio Spurs and finds himself in a interesting situation. The Spurs just traded for De’Aaron Fox and with franchise cornerstone Victor Wembanyama out for the season the team is in transition mode. This has sparked rumors that Paul and the Spurs might mutually agree to part ways and allow the 12 time All Star to chase his first NBA championship.

    Fadeaway World has already pegged the Lakers as a likely destination for Paul if he hits the buyout market. “The Spurs are in an awkward position—too talented to tank naturally but not competitive enough to make a real playoff push without their franchise star,” wrote Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World. “It took over a decade but Chris Paul might finally get his shot to wear the purple and gold.”

    Chris Paul’s Legacy and Fit with the Lakers

    At 39 years old Chris Paul has had a Hall of Fame career. From his early days with the New Orleans Hornets to his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns he’s been one of the most reliable point guards in the league. Leadership, basketball IQ and ability to raise teammates up is what he’s known for and he’s still a valuable asset even at his age.

    For the Lakers adding Paul would be a game changer. His friendship with LeBron and his reputation as one of the most versatile players in NBA history makes him a perfect fit. Paul’s playmaking, veteran savvy and ability to control the tempo of the game could be the stability and leadership the Lakers need for a deep playoff run.

    How Would Chris Paul Help the Lakers?

    1. Playmaking and Ball Handling: Paul can run an offense and create for others which would take pressure off LeBron and Luka and allow them to focus on scoring and defense.
    2. Veteran Leadership: With 19 years of NBA experience Paul’s presence in the locker room would be priceless especially in big moments.
    3. Clutch Performances: Paul has a history of stepping up in big moments, the Lakers could rely on that in close games.
    4. Defensive IQ: Despite his age Paul is still a smart and pesky defender that can harass opposing guards.

    What’s Next for the Lakers?

    The Lakers have a day off before their next game, but the front office is likely working behind the scenes to explore the possibility of adding Chris Paul. If the deal goes through, it could be the missing piece the Lakers need to solidify their championship aspirations.

  • Austin Reaves Injury Update: Lakers Star to Undergo MRI After Calf Issue vs. Clippers

    Austin Reaves Injury Update: Lakers Star to Undergo MRI After Calf Issue vs. Clippers

    Lakers holding their breath as Austin Reaves heads for MRI after leaving Friday’s 106-102 win over Clippers with calf injury. According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Reaves had calf soreness and played just 9 minutes before being held out for precautionary reasons.

    Reaves was effective in his limited time, hitting 2 threes and scoring 6 points with 1 block. But his early exit has him uncertain for the future.

    What Happened to Austin Reaves?

    Reaves played 9 minutes before leaving with calf soreness. Coach JJ Redick confirmed the injury saying Reaves was held out for precautionary reasons. He scored 6 points, 2 threes and 1 block in his short time on the court.

    This is not the best time for Reaves to get hurt. He’s been playing great lately. In February he averaged 22.0 points, 5.6 assists and 45.1% FG over 12 games. He was on a 4 game streak of scoring 20+ points.

    How Bad Is the Injury?

    Reaves is getting an MRI so it’s unknown how bad the calf injury is. But the fact he’s getting one at all is concerning. The Lakers are already dealing with injuries to other players and can’t afford to lose Reaves for any amount of time.

    Forward Rui Hachimura is out indefinitely with patellar tendinopathy in his left knee and will be re-evaluated in a week. With Hachimura out and Reaves possibly joining him, the bench will have to step up.

    Who Filled In for Reaves?

    In Reaves’ absence, Gabe Vincent played 26 minutes off the bench, Jordan Goodwin 21 and rookie Dalton Knecht 18. If Reaves misses time, these guys will get more minutes.

    LeBron and Luka carried the Lakers to the win. Luka had a game high 31 points and LeBron had a double double with 28 points and 13 rebounds.

    Next Up for the Lakers

    Lakers have a day off before they play the Clippers again Sunday at 9:30 pm ET. Fans will be waiting to hear the results of Reaves’ MRI and hoping for good news.

  • Anthony Davis Calls Out Lakers’ Front Office Over Luka Dončić Trade Spin

    Anthony Davis Calls Out Lakers’ Front Office Over Luka Dončić Trade Spin

    Anthony Davis isn’t buying the Lakers’ explanation that “no one knew” about the trade that sent him to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Dončić. In a rare interview with The Los Angeles Times, Davis talks about the crazy couple of days surrounding the trade, his conversations with LeBron James and what’s next for his new team.

    The Trade That Shook the NBA

    The trade also involved the Utah Jazz and sent ripples throughout the league. The Mavericks got Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The Lakers got Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. The Jazz got Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

    For Davis, it was a shock. He found out about the trade via phone from Lakers VP Rob Pelinka after watching the Lakers beat the Knicks on February 1.

    Davis Doesn’t Buy the “Nobody Knew” Excuse

    When the trade was announced earlier this month, the news sent shockwaves through the league. Davis found out via a phone call from Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka after he watched the Lakers beat the Knicks on February 1. At the time, Davis was recovering from an abdominal strain at home in LA.

    “I found out right after I texted my teammates to congratulate them on the win,” Davis said. “Then Rob called me and everything changed.”

    The Lakers are saying everyone within the organization was blindsided by the trade, but Davis isn’t buying it. During his conversation with The Los Angeles Times, he admitted he texted LeBron James, his longest-tenured teammate in LA, for clarity.

    “The front office has to do what it has to do and obviously they’re going to do what’s best for the organization,” Davis said. “But I don’t know if I ever got the real about any of it. I don’t know what’s true or what’s not coming from upstairs.”

    Davis went to James—and not just as a teammate but as someone who has been through this before—to get some answers.

    “Everybody’s saying nobody knew and all this other nonsense. I just don’t believe it,” Davis said. “But hey man, I’m past that. I’m ready to move on with Dallas and try to get a championship with these guys.”

    The Emotional Rollercoaster

    For Davis, the initial reaction to the trade was shock, disbelief and frustration. He described the night he found out about the trade as emotional—but temporary.

    “All the emotions lasted that one night when it was just a shock,” Davis said. “After that I realized this is the business. My focus shifted to getting healthy, getting my family settled in Dallas and figuring out how we can win a championship.”

    Davis suffered an adductor strain in his Mavericks debut—a injury that has kept him out since February 8. Despite the injury he’s optimistic.

    “Obviously the bad injury, but in that time they saw me they realized how good we can be when we’re all healthy,” Davis said. “We’ll get back to that.”

    Dallas Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Davis

    During the Mavericks game at Crypto.com Arena on February 25, the Lakers put together a nice little video tribute for Davis. The video showed his time with the franchise, including the 2020 NBA championship he won with LeBron.

    “It meant a lot,” Davis said. “I gave everything I had to that organization and they gave me a ring. I’ll always treasure that.”

    But Davis was clear that his focus is now on Dallas. With the Mavericks he gets to build something.

    “They wanted who they wanted. They did what they had to do,” Davis said of the Lakers. “Now I have a wife and kids to worry about and I’m figuring out how I get them to Dallas and get them adjusted to that.”

  • The Trade™ Three Weeks Later: Dončić and Davis Redefine NBA Breakups

    The Trade™ Three Weeks Later: Dončić and Davis Redefine NBA Breakups

    When the NBA’s biggest trade in years sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, it was a seismic event for basketball fans—but a deeply personal one for the two superstars at the center of it. Three weeks later, Dončić was facing his old team for the first time, while Davis sat out with an injury. The emotions were high, the tension was thick and the wounds were still fresh.

    This Wasn’t Just a Game

    The Big Show

    Tuesday game was more than just another game between the Lakers and Mavericks. It was the first time Dončić played against the team he’s been with since entering the league in 2018. For Mavericks fans many of whom felt blindsided by the trade it was an opportunity to voice their frustration and they did so loudly. Chants of “Thank you, Nico!” rang through Crypto.com Arena a sarcastic nod to Mavericks GM Nico Harrison who has been getting killed for the trade.

    Meanwhile Davis got a heartfelt video tribute when he returned to LA with a standing ovation. While the crowd celebrated Davis’ Laker legacy the contrast between how the two players were treated showed just how messy this trade was.

    Awkward Moments Galore

    Kyrie Irving Dončić’s teammate and good friend described the encounter as “awkward as hell” and indeed there were plenty of uncomfortable moments throughout the night. From the chants at Harrison to the visible unease between former teammates pregame it was clear neither side has fully processed what happened.

    Dončić himself said after the game “It’s not ideal but I’m glad this game is over. It was a lot of emotions.”

    The Human Side of The Trade™

    Breakups Are Hard

    As everyone who’s gone through a breakup knows, even when it’s for the best, it’s painful. Add in the spin cycle of being traded overnight, moving to a new city and dealing with constant media attention and you start to understand why trades like this one leave emotional scars.

    “When you move on or they move on from you it’s very emotional, obviously and very draining,” LeBron James said of Dončić’s situation. “There’s probably a lot of stuff going on in his head that don’t even have to do with the game itself.”

    For Davis, it’s been similar. Reports say he was blindsided by the trade and thought he’d be the face of the Mavericks for years to come. But both players have handled it well. They acknowledge it’s tough and move on.

    Public Discourse and Leaks: Fanning the Flames

    Dallas’ Smear Campaign Against Dončić

    Now that the trade is done, the Mavs are getting roasted for trading away their young MVP candidate. In response, the front office has leaked information about Dončić’s work ethic, fitness level and lifestyle choices. Whether it’s true or not, it’s kept the drama alive in the public discourse and made it harder to move on.

    Davis is caught in the crossfire too. Despite being a top 10 player himself, much of the narrative around the trade has been about Dončić and not him. As JJ Redick said before the game, “He’s a great human being,” and that Davis’ departure left a void on and off the court.

    Silver Linings Amidst the Chaos

    While the wounds are still fresh, both Dončić and Davis seem to be making the most of their situations. For Dončić, being alongside LeBron James means he gets to compete for championships with one of the all time greats. For Davis, the chance to lead a revamped Mavericks roster is a new challenge—and perhaps redemption for those who questioned the trade.

    Redick, who has been traded himself, has some insight into the process. Talking about his own moves, he said “Adjusting to a new city isn’t easy—but sometimes it’s a blessing in disguise”. He added “I got to play with Luka for 2 and a half months and now I get to coach him. It was a blessing in disguise.”

  • Lakers Honor Anthony Davis in Emotional Tribute During His Return to Los Angeles

    Lakers Honor Anthony Davis in Emotional Tribute During His Return to Los Angeles

    The Los Angeles Lakers welcomed Anthony Davis back to Arena on Tuesday, honoring the former star in his first game in LA since the blockbuster trade that sent him to the Dallas Mavericks. While Davis didn’t play due to injury, the Lakers and their fans made sure his return was unforgettable, celebrating his contributions to the franchise with a heartfelt video tribute and a warm reception.

    A Warm Welcome Back to LA

    When Anthony Davis walked onto the court at Crypto.com Arena he got a standing ovation. The Lakers fans showed their appreciation for a player who had given them so much over the years. Davis smiled and waved to the fans who cheered him on through some of the most memorable moments in franchise history.

    Even Max Christie got a warm welcome when he was introduced. Max has done well in his new role with the Mavericks but the Lakers fans still remembered him.

    Davis’ Legacy with the Lakers

    Anthony Davis wasn’t just another Laker, he was the cornerstone. After requesting a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 to team up with LeBron James, Davis became one of the best players in the league. During his time in LA he:

    • 4 All Star appearances
    • 2 All NBA Team
    • 2 All Defensive Team

    Most importantly he led the Lakers to a championship in 2020. His defense and versatility made him one of the most feared players in the league and his leadership made the Lakers a top team during his time.

    Davis signed two max contracts with the Lakers, he was committed to the franchise. Even as LeBron’s career winds down the Lakers planned to build around Davis as the face of the franchise going forward. The trade for Dončić was a franchise changing move but it doesn’t erase the legacy Davis built in LA.

    Why the Trade Happened

    We traded Anthony Davis not because of his performance or loyalty – it was because we had to take a once in a lifetime opportunity. Luka Dončić at 25 is the future of the Lakers. A generational talent that can lead the franchise for the next 10 years, he was too good to pass up.

    But trading Davis wasn’t easy. He was our best player for half a decade and a beloved figure in the locker room and among the fans. The trade was necessary for the franchise’s long term success but it came at the cost of saying goodbye to one of the most impactful players in recent Lakers history.

    Davis’ Reaction to the Trade

    Despite the emotional nature of leaving the Lakers, Davis has embraced his new chapter in Dallas. In a recent interview he said he’s excited to bring life back to the city and this is a fresh start for him and he’s ready to make an impact.

    He’s showing the same drive and professionalism that made him a fan favorite in LA.

    FAQs About Anthony Davis’ Return to Los Angeles

    Why did the Lakers trade Anthony Davis?

    Lakers traded Anthony Davis to get Luka Dončić, a 25 year old superstar who can be the face of the franchise for the next 10 years. Davis was a big part of the team’s success but the opportunity to get Dončić was too good to pass up.

    What did Anthony Davis do with the Lakers?

    During his time with the Lakers, Davis won an NBA championship (2020), 4 All-Star appearances, 2 All-NBA and 2 All-Defensive team. He was the cornerstone of the franchise.

    How do Lakers fans feel about Davis’ return?

    Lakers fans welcomed Davis back with open arms, cheering loudly during introductions and applauding the video montage during the game. It was clear they love and respect him for what he did for the team.

    Will Anthony Davis’ jersey be retired by the Lakers?

    Not officially announced but with what he accomplished and his impact on the franchise, he’s a strong candidate to have his No. 3 jersey retired in the future.

    How’s Max Christie doing with the Mavericks?

    Max Christie is thriving with the Mavericks, getting praise for his development and contributions to the team. Lakers fans gave him a nice intro on Tuesday.