Anthony Davis is thrilled to be playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Just because he was finally traded to the team of his choice, though, doesn't mean the six-time All-Star is comfortable with one of the most frustrating complications of living in Southern California.

Davis, believe it or not, is no fan of Los Angeles traffic.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·
Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal stands next to Kobe Bryant with GOAT signs in background
Shaquille O’Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe BryantRandall Barnes ·
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emergeErik Slater ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James dumps fuel on Brian Windhorst feud with calloutMalik Brown ·
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) defends against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
Nick Wright drops the mic on LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry debateScotty White ·
Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena
Luka Doncic reveals initial thought on living in LA after Lakers tradeJosue Pavon ·

Trade talks between the Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans began in February, immediately after Davis made it clear he wanted to continue his career in purple and gold. Negotiations quickly broke down from there, with both sides alleging wrongdoing on the part of the other, leading Davis to remain with the Pelicans past the trade deadline.

The dynamic changed in spring after the departures of Pelicans general manager Dell Demps and Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson. New Orleans won the draft lottery, getting a new franchise player in Zion Williamson, and newly-appointed executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin re-engaged Los Angeles in trade discussions shortly after Davis reiterated he wanted to move on from the Pelicans.

The Lakers agreed in June to send Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, the No. 4 pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft, and two future first-rounders to New Orleans in exchange for Davis. During his final season with the Pelicans, Anthony Davis averaged 25.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game, stellar numbers that were nevertheless artificially deflated by the minutes limit New Orleans placed on him following his trade request.