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SportsPulse: This is the job we all expect and that will shape this off season and the NBA landscape for years to come. This also makes the Lakers an instant competitor in the West.
UNITED STATES TODAY & # 39; HUI

Finally, Anthony Davis goes to Laker Land.

The New Orleans pelicans have agreed to swap the superstar giant Saturday in a successful deal, ending months of speculation and upsetting the NBA landscape.

And just like that, the Los Angeles Lakers, who missed the playoffs for a franchise record six consecutive seasons, are on the way to the title fight. And LeBron James could not be happier.

James, 34, went to Instagram Saturday night to welcome his new teammate.

"AD on da way !! @ antdavis23 Let's go, my brother, just the beginning … #LakeShow," James wrote as a caption on a picture of himself standing next to Davis on the ground – carrying all two a Lakers jersey.

Davis – who is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, who also represents James – was linked to the Lakers since he had asked for an exchange at the Pelicans in January, but no deal has come to fruition.

James told ESPN earlier in the season that it would be "unbelievable" to play alongside Davis – comments that have frustrated some general managers of small NBA markets.

Still, James had his wish.

At Davis, the Lakers will add a leading talent and a formidable defensive presence, with a career average of 23.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. He is 26 years old and his current contract is expected to move to the free agency in 2020, but the possibility that he will sign a long-term contract with the Lakers next summer is well and truly at the rendezvous.

With injuries from Golden State stars Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, the Lakers are now in a prime position to become leaders of the Western Conference, as they have the opportunity to sign another star (Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker, may -being?) Once free. The agency starts on June 30th.

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