How the AD trade changed the Los Angeles Lakers: Solidified contender status
During LeBron James’ first year with the Lakers, they were almost viewed as an afterthought. In part due to LeBron’s injury, the Lakers were a massive disappointment in 2018-19. They weren’t a playoff team and there were whispers if LeBron’s stint with the Lakers was going to be nothing more than just a public relations move.
Less than a year later, that sentiment has changed drastically. Not only have those whispers quieted, but the Lakers are now considered a legit contender in the Western Conference. While some of that has to be credited to the health of LeBron, plenty of that has to fall on the shoulders of Anthony Davis.
Davis gives the Lakers a second star for LeBron to play next to and one that is in the midst of the prime of his career. LeBron is still extremely effective and impactful, but there’s no question that he’s no longer the one-man wrecking crew from the highest peak of his career. He can no longer carry a team, alone, to the NBA Finals. He needed help. And the Lakers delivered.