Anthony Davis opens up about Lakers, Pelicans exits

NBA star discusses his surprise trade to the Wizards and his new outlook on the team's potential.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:42am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting an NBA basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a rich color palette, conveying the unpredictable nature of professional sports trades.A star player's surprise trade reveals the complex business side of professional basketball.Washington Today

In a recent podcast appearance, NBA player Anthony Davis discussed his frustrations with the end of his tenures with the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans. Davis admitted he was surprised when the Dallas Mavericks traded him to the perennial bottom-dwelling Washington Wizards, but said he has since been impressed by the team's potential.

Why it matters

Davis is one of the league's top players, so his comments provide insight into the challenges star athletes can face when being traded to less successful teams. His perspective also highlights the business side of the NBA and how players' careers can take unexpected turns.

The details

During an appearance on Draymond Green's podcast, Davis opened up about his exits from the Lakers and Pelicans. He said he was caught off guard when the Mavericks, who had acquired him in a trade, then flipped him to the Wizards, a team that has struggled in recent years. However, Davis noted that he has been pleasantly surprised by the Wizards' potential and believes the team is headed in the right direction.

  • Davis was traded from the Lakers to the Mavericks in June 2025.
  • The Mavericks then traded Davis to the Wizards in July 2025.

The players

Anthony Davis

An NBA player who has played for the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and currently the Washington Wizards.

Draymond Green

An NBA player who hosts a podcast where he interviewed Anthony Davis.

Washington Wizards

An NBA team based in Washington, D.C. that has struggled in recent years but Davis believes is headed in the right direction.

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What they’re saying

“I was like, 'Damn, Washington?'”

— Anthony Davis, NBA Player

The takeaway

Davis' comments highlight the unpredictable nature of NBA trades and the challenges star players can face when being moved to less successful teams. However, his openness to seeing the potential in the Wizards organization suggests he is focused on making the best of his current situation.