The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to bold moves, but what they’ve pulled off over the past year borders on transformative. A season ago, they were hovering in that middle tier - competitive, but not quite contenders.
Fast forward to now, and the picture looks a whole lot different. Luka Dončić is in purple and gold, Austin Reaves has leveled up his game, and the Lakers are back in the conversation.
But with all that momentum, there’s still a sense that they’re one piece away. And that piece might just be a familiar face: Anthony Davis.
Dallas Is Still Searching for Its Identity
While things are trending upward in L.A., the Dallas Mavericks are still trying to find their footing after last season’s blockbuster trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers. The centerpiece of their rebuild is Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, and he’s starting to show flashes of why he was so highly touted.
But here’s the issue: the roster around him was built for Dončić’s ball-dominant style, not for a rookie still finding his NBA rhythm. That mismatch has fueled speculation that Dallas could look to move Anthony Davis, who remains one of the league’s premier two-way players - when healthy.
Davis’ Trade Value: Still Elite, But Complicated
Davis is still a top-20 talent in the NBA, no question. He can anchor a defense, stretch the floor, and dominate inside.
But concerns about his durability and age have started to weigh on his trade value. That could open the door for a team like the Lakers to make a move - especially if the market for Davis stays quiet.
From the Lakers’ perspective, bringing Davis back into the fold would be a massive swing. Pairing him with Dončić, LeBron James, and Reaves would give them one of the most balanced and explosive starting lineups in the league. The potential for a deep playoff run would go from hopeful to expected.
What a Lakers Trade Package Could Look Like
Now, let’s talk logistics. The Lakers have the salary pieces to make a deal work.
Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Jared Vanderbilt are all on movable contracts. The challenge is the draft capital.
L.A. only has one tradable first-round pick available this season, but they do have three pick swaps they could throw into the mix.
That’s where a third team could come into play. If the Lakers can find a partner interested in Hachimura - who’s been having a strong season - they could reroute him in exchange for a second first-round pick. That would allow the Lakers to send Dallas a package built around mostly expiring contracts and two firsts, which could be enough to get the Mavericks’ attention.
The Competition for Davis
Of course, the Lakers aren’t the only team that could make a run at Davis. If the Chicago Bulls or Sacramento Kings decide to get involved, the bidding could heat up quickly. Both teams have the assets to make things interesting, and both could use a player like Davis to elevate their ceilings.
But if the market remains lukewarm - if teams are hesitant because of Davis’ injury history or contract - then the Lakers might just be in the right place at the right time. They know what Davis brings to the table.
They’ve won with him before. And with their current core, adding Davis could be the final piece of a championship puzzle.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just about nostalgia or a reunion tour. This is about maximizing a championship window that’s still open - but not forever.
LeBron James isn’t getting younger. Dončić is in his prime.
Reaves is emerging as a legitimate third option. The Lakers have a real shot to do something special this season, and bringing back Anthony Davis could turn that shot into a serious threat.
If the opportunity is there, the Lakers have to take it. Because in a loaded Western Conference, standing pat might not be enough.
But adding Davis? That could change everything.