Social media erupted Saturday night after ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news that the New Orleans Pelicans had agreed to trade Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first-round picks.
That a trade was coming was no surprise, but the magnitude of the deal and the pairing of Davis with LeBron James still sent shockwaves throughout the sports world.
The deal cannot be finalized until July 1, but the reaction was immediate - and then, James gave Davis his new number with his new team.
Bro I just got mobbed in Shanghai thanks @AntDavis23
— kuz (@kylekuzma) June 16, 2019
Great job by Owner Jeanie Buss bringing Anthony Davis to the Lakers! Laker Nation, the Lakers are back in a championship hunt! Congratulations to the entire organization. I know LeBron James has a big smile on his face. I'm loving this!!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 15, 2019
Laker Nation, you wanted the great Jeanie Buss to step up and bring a championship team back to LA and she's doing just that!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 15, 2019
And the Lakers still have over $30 million of cap space to spend on free agents starting June 30th.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 15, 2019
Great trade Rob Pelinka! Job well done.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 15, 2019
Love this league. Hoop reality show. Entertainment on and off the court. #NBA
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) June 15, 2019
— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) June 15, 2019
Welp there goes the first domino... Things about to get interesting...💯💯💯
— DeMarre Carroll (@DeMarreCarroll1) June 15, 2019
@AntDavis23 is built for this!! Dude might be MVP next season
— Quincy Pondexter (@QuincyPondexter) June 16, 2019
Offseason? Nah. The NBA is a 365 operation.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) June 15, 2019
Pelicans made out smooth...
— David West (@D_West30) June 15, 2019
The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to acquire Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 15, 2019
Since entering the league in 2012, Davis is tied for 3rd-most 1st-Team All-NBA selections in the league.
The only players with more during that stretch are LeBron James and James Harden. pic.twitter.com/t5GcdYcap0
no offseason for the nba
— Jordan Clarkson (@JordanClarksons) June 15, 2019
NBA, greatest show on earth !
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) June 15, 2019