The Lakers dropped a bomb on Saturday by trading the majority of their young core to acquire Anthony Davis from the Pelicans. Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first round picks including #4 in this year’s draft. So what does this mean for the league and 2019 draft going forward?

First of all, it puts the Lakers as the immediate title favorites in Vegas’ eyes next season. Adding a top 10 player to a team who already has a top 5 player is going to be dynamic and it will be interesting to see additional move by the Lakers as they only have 6 players under contract currently. It is rumored that Kemba Walker is now the top priority for the Lakers but it will be a tough sell as Kemba has been loyal to Charlotte and can get a super max deal there. The Lakers definitely need to surround this team with shooters as that is what has worked for Lebron led teams and when the Pelicans made a short playoff run Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday were surrounded by shooters like Etwaun Moore, Mirotic and Ian Clark.

As for the Pelicans. They immediately become one of the most talented young teams in the NBA. In addition to the young players they got from the Lakers, they also have Julius Randle, Zion Williamson, and the 4th pick in the 2019 draft. Our mock draft has been updated swapping Garland to 5 and Hunter to 4. With the Pelicans already having Jrue Holiday, Elfrid Payton and now Lonzo Ball, look for them to go any other position besides Point Guard at 4. It is also rumored that the Pels have been getting a lot of calls about pick 4 already from teams trying to move up to secure Garland as their point guard of the future.