'Just the beginning': LeBron James welcomes Anthony Davis to Lakers

'Just the beginning': LeBron James welcomes Anthony Davis to Lakers.


  
  SportsPulse: It's the trade we've all been waiting for and one that will shape this offseason and the NBA landscape for years to come. It also makes the Lakers an instant contender in the West.

The New Orleans Pelicans agreed to trade the superstar big man Saturday in a blockbuster deal, ending months of speculation and shaking up the NBA landscape.

And just like that, the Los Angeles Lakers, who have missed the postseason for a franchise-record six consecutive seasons, are on the path to title contention yet again. And LeBron James couldn't be happier.

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

"AD on da way!! @antdavis23. Let’s get it bro! Just the beginning.. #LakeShow," James wrote as the caption to an edited photo of himself standing next to Davis on the court — both wearing Lakers jerseys. 

Davis — who is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, who also represents James — had been linked to the Lakers since he requested a trade from the Pelicans in January, but a deal never came to fruition. 

James told ESPN earlier in the season that it would be "amazing" to play alongside Davis — comments that frustrated some small-market general managers across the NBA.

Still, James his wish.

In Davis, the Lakers will add a top-tier talent and formidable defensive presence who has career averages of 23.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. The 26-year-old has one year remaining on his current contract and is scheduled to hit free agency in 2020, but the possibility of him signing a long-term deal with the Lakers next summer is certainly there.

With the injuries to Golden State stars Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, the Lakers are now in prime position to become frontrunners in the Western Conference, as they have the cap space to sign another star (Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker, perhaps?) once free agency begins on June 30.