As the Los Angeles Dodgers were on the field for batting practice ahead of facing Yu Darvish and the Chicago Cubs, the sports world was rocked by news of the L.A. Lakers reaching an agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans on an Anthony Davis trade.
The Lakers’ much-publicized failed attempt to acquire Davis at the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline arguably derailed the second half of their season, and they were among the teams expected to re-engage with the Pelicans come the summer.
New Orleans hoped the combination of hiring David Griffin as executive vice president of basketball operations and securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft would be enough to convince Davis into remaining with the organization, but he remained undeterred.
Given the sudden uncertainty surrounding the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers trading for Davis immediately vaults them into contention in the Western Conference. It also could be the linchpin to signing an All-Star free agent this summer.
When Kenley Jansen isn’t busy focusing on his efforts to help the Dodgers end their own championship drought, he’s following the NBA as an avid Lakers fan. Upon receiving word of the reported Davis trade, Jansen immediately celebrated and called on the Lakers to follow it up by signing Kyrie Irving.
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Jansen’s fandom of the Lakers is tied to Dodgers part owner Magic Johnson. He of course starred for the Lakers and was the head of their front office until abruptly resigning at the end of the 2018-19 regular season.
Aside from ties via Johnson, the Dodgers and Lakers enjoy a crossover of support as two of the city’s preeminent sports franchises. The Dodgers host an annual Lakers Night at Dodger Stadium, which last season entailed Jansen and some of his teammates receiving LeBron James jerseys direct from owner Jeanie Buss.
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