Pelicans star Brandon Ingram has admitted that the trade rumors surrounding Anthony Davis during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers were very stressful for him and the other youngsters on the team. These would also have influenced the performance on the pitch.
“I know the other guys around me. It destroyed them every day when you wake up and see your name on Twitter. They love Twitter, love to search and type their name. The energy was completely gone,” he explained Podcast The Old Man and the Three with JJ Redick and Tommy Alter.
The Lakers ended the 2018/19 season with a 37-45 record and missed the playoffs in their first season with LeBron James. As early as the second half of the season, rumors were circulating that Davis was aiming to leave New Orleans. This was confirmed by Rich Paul, agent for AD and James. LA has been declared the superstar’s top destination.
Ingram admitted that none of these background noises left him without a trace – but above all his young teammates: “It gave the impression that nobody wanted to play anymore. It was a hurricane.” The fact that James was campaigning for Davis to come to Los Angeles under all circumstances reinforced this development.
After a deal failed before the trade deadline in February, execution was reported in the offseason. The Lakers gave up almost half of their team for Davis: Lonzo Ball, Ingram, Josh Hart and three future first-round picks (2019, 2021 and 2024) migrated to New Orleans in return for the seven-time All-Star.
The trade should ultimately be a success for all sides: The Lakers received a second superstar who led Purple and Gold to the championship last season. After mixed performances at the Pelicans, Ingram was able to venture a new start and has developed into an all-star. In the 2019/20 season he put on 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists and was named Most Improved Player.
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