The Los Angeles Lakers got an easy win over the Washington Wizards on Monday night. They did not have Luka Doncic in the lineup due to a suspension, but LeBron James led the way with a triple-double while three others scored 19. The game was almost a secondary story to Anthony Davis returning to the sidelines in L.A.
Davis is now a member of the Wizards after a midseason trade from the Dallas Mavericks, his second consecutive season being dealt at the deadline. But he still has plenty of friendships remaining in L.A., and that was apparent before the game when he tried to be a part of their pregame ritual, via Lakers All Day Everyday:
AD wanted to do the Lakers old pregame football ritual 😭 pic.twitter.com/evM5F9DpQ7
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 31, 2026
Davis’ time with the Lakers came to an abrupt end last season when the opportunity to trade for Doncic arose. L.A. already got the chance to celebrate Davis when he returned last season as a member of the Mavericks.
Through it all, there have never been hard feelings from Davis towards the Lakers, and the players, fans and organization have always shown love to him whenever possible. There is clearly still a mutual respect and admiration.
Jaxson Hayes jokingly did not let Davis in on the pregame ritual, as that is likely reserved for active roster members. But it created a great moment that showed just how much the Lakers still mean to Davis, and how much he means to the team as many players caught up with him during and after the game.
Rui Hachimura forgot Anthony Davis was traded to Wizards
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura began his NBA career on the Wizards before being traded to L.A. When he was asked by Lakers Nation if he’s spoken with Davis about any recommendations for Washington D.C., he revealed he forgot Davis was even traded there.
“It was funny because during the timeout, I was looking at the bench and I saw AD and I was shocked. I was like wait, I totally forgot about [Davis’ trade to Washington]. I went to say hi to him, and yeah he just got to DC. I was there for three years, so I know the people and all that. Of course, I think it’s a good situation for him. I hope the best for him. I was happy to see him.”
Davis has yet to debut for the Wizards, but it must have been a funny moment for Hachimura to look over and unexpectedly see him on the sidelines.
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