(Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)
The ripple effect of the blockbuster trade that sent superstar big man Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers from the New Orleans Pelicans is still being felt four years later.
In retrospect, both the Lakers and Pelicans may have won this trade with what they’ve gotten out of the deal, especially when it comes to the three draft picks New Orleans received from Los Angeles.
Although Brandon Ingram became a star in New Orleans, it appears that he’ll be on his way out soon, as he’s expected to be traded this summer, with the team seemingly ready to move on.
Josh Hart, however, is flourishing with the New York Knicks while Lonzo Ball deals with knee issues with the Chicago Bulls, which could ultimately end his playing career.
According to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the Pelicans must decide before June 1 whether to take the Lakers’ first-round pick this year (No. 17 overall) or wait until next season, when they could have a higher pick.
New Orleans Pelicans chatter: Pelicans have considered deferring their pick from the Lakers until next year, I’m told.
Pelicans currently hold the Lakers’ 2024 first round pick at No. 17 but have the option to defer the pick to 2025.
The deadline to defer is June 1st. pic.twitter.com/qqWXKZbuoe
— Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) May 28, 2024
With much uncertainty in Los Angeles right now regarding the team’s immediate future, namely whether LeBron James will return on a new deal, New Orleans might benefit from deferring because the Lakers could be a mess next season.
Obviously, this is quite a gamble, as the Lakers could also reload with another star player like Donovan Mitchell and become a force to be reckoned with again.
However, this could also be a strategic move because the Pelicans might not like this draft class and will take their chance next year.
Either way, the Pelicans are in control, and the Lakers must wait and see.
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