Later this week, Anthony Davis will be facing his former team for the first time since he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2019 offseason. After all that transpired leading up to that trade, Davis is expecting a rude welcome from New Orleans Pelicans fans.
Midway through the 2018-19 season, while he was rehabbing from a finger injury, Davis requested a trade from the Pelicans. One of his preferred destinations was Los Angeles. The Lakers and Pelicans engaged in trade talks, but were unable to come to an agreement, leaving Davis stranded in New Orleans.
Everyone knew then that Davis’ time with the Pelicans was up. Despite that, the NBA still required him to suit up after completely recovering from his injury. He returned to the court early February in front of home fans who booed him during introductions and every time he handled the ball.
This time around, Davis will be returning in a Lakers jersey. He believes there will be even more hostility from the Pelicans faithful.
Anthony Davis opened up Saturday night about his pending return to New Orleans. He compared the anticipated reaction to his first game after the trade demand. “I got a little taste of it,” he said, “but I know it’s going to be even worse.” https://t.co/loKJ6Fyaq4 pic.twitter.com/fx831NtX6r
— Bill Oram (@billoram) November 25, 2019
“I kind of had a little bit of it after the trade (request), that first game against the Minnesota Timberwolves,” Davis told reporters after the Lakers’ recent win versus the Memphis Grizzlies. “Felt like I was on the other side. I got a little taste of it, but I know it’s going to be even worse.”
With the Lakers currently atop the league standings, the jeers will probably be even more intense than expected. However, Davis says that he is excited to finally get through the game.
“I’m excited to play,” Davis continued. “Just like I was excited to play that first game against Minnesota last year, but I think you’ve got to embrace it. I know what the reaction’s going to be. I try to look at all the guys who went and had something like that, but it’s unique, and I’m excited to go there and play for the first time with an opposing team, so it’s going to be fun.”
Davis and the Lakers will take on the Pelicans on Wednesday night.
