Needless to say, Anthony Davis did not have the smoothest of departures from the New Orleans Pelicans.
In a season full of injuries, trade demands and minutes restrictions, Davis showed up to the final home game wearing a “Looney Tunes” shirt with the phrase “That's All, Folks!” across the front. At the February trade deadline, his status was up in the air. But by the summer, he was on his way out of town.
The Pelicans traded Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and a slew of draft considerations, obliging his wishes to play with LeBron James in Hollywood while also securing a number of future assets.
Los Angeles visits New Orleans on Nov. 27, and Davis discussed his impending return with Shams Charania of The Athletic (segment begins around 3:20 mark):
Lakers star Anthony Davis (@AntDavis23) sits down for @Stadium video interview: Lessons from LeBron — love toward NOLA and emotional return game Nov. 27 — his biggest regret with Pelicans exit — when he almost quit basketball — Chicago legacy and more. pic.twitter.com/LJM45AgsOA
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 13, 2019
Davis revealed that he has talked to James about what it is like to return to the city where his star was born, and also stated that he is a little tenuous about going back to New Orleans because of the relationships that he developed in his seven years with the Pelicans franchise.
Naturally, Davis understands that the fan reception is unlikely to be very kind. Still, he is appreciative of the years that he spent in New Orleans, and jokingly mentioned the potential of a “tribute video.”
The 26-year-old has helped the Lakers to an 8-2 record through the first 10 games, while the Pelicans have been arguably the biggest disappointment in the league.
New Orleans' loss to the Rockets on Monday dropped them to an inverse 2-8, and they will likely not need the added motivation when Davis and the Lakers come to town in a couple weeks.
Follow Us
Subscribe