New Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis remembers being forced into NBA purgatory after demanding a trade in the middle of the season, as the New Orleans Pelicans limited his minutes and appearances after failing to trade him by the deadline.

The All-Star big man still remembers how frustrating that situation was, limiting what he could do with a healthy body, despite his intention to play elsewhere:

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“It was different,” Davis told Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times. “Being limited to 20 to 25 minutes was definitely different. Not being able to play in the fourth quarter and close out games was a little hard for me. I wanted to go out there and help the team win. I just want to play again. I was limited last season and now I’m looking forward to getting back on the floor and being productive next year.

“My season was cut short, or at least limited in terms of playing the game that I love. I’m excited to get back to it and get back into the swing of things. I started back working out, so that helps. I want to make this season better than the last.”

Now that he's agreed to be traded to the Lakers, Davis will get to start a new chapter alongside LeBron James and make a serious run at a title, playing with the help of talent he never had in his seven years with New Orleans.