Lil Wayne has sparked debate over the NBA by putting out the notion that the Los Angeles Lakers should trade Anthony Davis. This suggestion, which originates from a non-basketball standpoint, has caused discussions inside the Lakers organisation. At the height of his abilities, Anthony Davis is a vital member of the squad who possesses exceptional capabilities in both attack and defence.
Conversely, the Lakers ought not to heed this counsel. In addition to his stats, Davis is an important member of the squad. His impact goes beyond the numbers; it affects the team’s performance on the court as well as the environment within the locker room. The difficulty is not just evaluating possible trade offers but also comprehending the intangibles that make Davis an indispensable player in the Lakers’ championship run.
Ten. Rockets of Houston
Astros player Anthony Davis
The Fadeaway World credit
The following are awarded to the Los Angeles Lakers: 2024 first-round selection, 2025 first-round pick (via Thunder), 2026 first-round pick (via Nets), 2025 second-round pick, and 2026 second-round pick. Also included are Jabari Smith, Amen Thompson, Jae’Sean Tate, Jock Landale, and Jeff Green.
Anthony Davis gets received by the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers’ immediate competitiveness may be hampered by Anthony Davis’ notable output decline relative to the guys the Rockets provide. The Lakers may view this move negatively as they try to maximise the championship window that their present squad is capable of. They may have a win-now attitude.
Anthony Davis is a force to be reckoned with on the court, averaging 21.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over the course of 12 games. In contrast, over the course of just four games, Jabari Smith scores 12.1 points and pulls down 7.0 rebounds, whereas Amen Thompson scores 6.3 points and pulls down 2.8 rebounds.
Although this trade combination gives the Lakers future assets, it doesn’t provide them with the immediate firepower they need to contend for a championship. This trade option is less desirable because the Rockets’ developmental players might not fit the Lakers’ short-term objectives.
9. San Diego Spurs
San Antonio Spurs’ Anthony Davis
The Fadeaway World credit
The following are sent to the Los Angeles Lakers: Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and first-round picks in 2024, 2025, and 2026 (via the Hawks).
Anthony Davis is given to the San Antonio Spurs.
When analysing the statistical output of the Spurs’ main players, it is evident that Keldon Johnson is a versatile player. In 11 games, he has averaged 15.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Devin Vassell provides a valuable perimeter threat with his impressive stats of 17.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across nine games. Jeremy Sochan proves his efficacy as a power forward by averaging 10.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 12 games.
Although the Spurs could find it intriguing if Anthony Davis and Victor Wembanyama could form a dangerous frontcourt tandem, their present rebuilding phase may not be compatible with Davis. Given his current career stage, Davis might not mesh well with the Spurs’ emphasis on developing young talent.
Although Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell are promising, Davis’ departure could leave a gap in the Lakers’ inside defence, as they may not be able to entirely replace Davis’ defensive ability. Furthermore, even though Sochan performs well in his position, he might not be able to replace a player of Davis’s calibre.
In summary, the Lakers’ desire for instant success is hampered by the timeliness and possible defensive disparity of the Spurs’ offer, even though it includes enticing young talent and future assets.
8. Hawks of Atlanta
The Atlanta Hawks’ Anthony Davis
The Fadeaway World credit
Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and first-round selections in 2024, 2026, and 2028 are awarded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Anthony Davis to the Atlanta Hawks
For the Lakers, this trade might appear appealing at first glance. Clint Capela has the potential to be a valuable inside force for the Lakers because of his outstanding rebounding (10.2 rebounds per game), defensive presence (1.6 blocks per game), and scoring abilities (10.2 points per game). Furthermore, Bogdan Bogdanovic would help the Lakers meet some of their offensive needs thanks to his ability to score (14.6 points per game) and create plays (3.0 assists per game).
But the problem is that neither Bogdanovic nor Capela can entirely imitate Anthony Davis’s distinct two-way skill set and all-around superstar effect. With an impressive nine-game average of 21.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks, Davis combines an uncommon blend of offensive ability and defensive dominance. Although Bogdanovic and Capela offer significant qualities, they do not give the Lakers the same degree of star power or overall impact on the game.
Essentially, even though the proposed trade makes immediate improvements in some areas, the Lakers would find it difficult to replace Anthony Davis’s leadership and all-around greatness. This deal is less advantageous for the Lakers in their quest to keep a squad capable of winning championships due to the difference in impact.
6. Thunder of Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Anthony Davis
The Fadeaway World credit
The following players are acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers: Davis Bertans, Jalen Williams, Aleksej Pokusevski, Ousmane Dieng, Chet Holmgren, and first-round picks in 2024, 2026, and 2027 (via the Clippers and Denver, respectively).
Received by the Oklahoma City Thunder: Anthony Davis
The Thunder’s assets offer an intriguing mix of young players and potential draft picks, but they might not have a significant immediate influence on the Lakers’ hopes for a championship. The star prospect, Chet Holmgren, has averaged 15.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in 12 games, showing potential. With strong performances in 10 games (17.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists), Jalen Williams has also demonstrated promise.
Other than Holmgren and Williams, though, the additions of Davis Bertans, Aleksej Pokusevski, and Ousmane Dieng to the transaction might not have the same immediate impact as a player of Anthony Davis’s calibre. Given their existing roster and desire for a championship, the Lakers are probably looking for players who can contribute right away.
While the Lakers might be able to acquire another elite player with the draft picks and have future flexibility, they would find it difficult to replace Anthony Davis’ leadership and output in the near future. The Lakers’ win-now mentality for the current season may not mesh well with the deal, despite its long-term rewards.
6. Cleveland’s NBA team
Cleveland Cavaliers player Anthony Davis
The Fadeaway World credit
Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Isaac Okoro, Ty Jerome, a 2024 first-round (pick swap), a 2030 first-round (pick swap), and a 2025 second-round pick are awarded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Anthony Davis to Cleveland Cavaliers
With Evan Mobley showing promise as the next defensive star and Jarrett Allen anchoring the interior, the Lakers would surely benefit from an excellent defensive tandem. It’s important to remember, though, that although Mobley and Allen provide youthful potential and defensive skill, they don’t yet have the same dual impact as Anthony Davis, who is a fantastic offensive player and rim protector.
Jarrett Allen demonstrates his efficacy in the paint with averages of 11.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in seven games. Evan Mobley is a key player for the Cavaliers going forward, averaging 16.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 12 games.
Accepting this transaction presents a risk for the Lakers since they are trading a proven superstar for a group of young players with promise. Despite having a strong defensive base, the Lakers’ first challenge would be to replace Davis’s leadership and offensive output.
The attraction of having Anthony Davis and Donovan Mitchell together for the Cavaliers is clear; they make a formidable team. This trade is dangerous for all parties, though, given the limited window of opportunity, Mitchell’s uncertain future, and the huge future assets involved. The possible long-term repercussions of the trade may make it less tempting to the Lakers, who are focused on winning now.
5. Knicks of New York
The New York Knicks’ Anthony Davis
The Fadeaway World credit
Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, Josh Hart, a 2024 first-round selection (via Dallas), a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2027 first-round pick are awarded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Anthony Davis is given to the New York Knicks.
The Knicks would jump at the chance to sign Anthony Davis in their pursuit of a long-coveted superstar. Julius Randle’s offensive skill and Immanuel Quickley’s perimeter scoring could be advantageous to the Lakers, but there are worries about how the move would affect the team’s interior defence as a whole. Randle’s current form is less appealing since, despite his strong statistics—19.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 12 games—he has battled with a 37.1% field goal percentage.
With 16.0 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 12 games, Immanuel Quickley would be a fascinating addition to the Lakers’ perimeter offensive. Josh Hart adds even more value to the Lakers’ squad with his defensive prowess and rebounding abilities.
Although Randle, Quickley, and Hart together have a versatile skill set, the Lakers would have trouble matching Anthony Davis’s commanding presence in the middle of the court. It is challenging to precisely duplicate Davis’s contributions because of Randle’s patchy shooting and the Lakers’ absence of another big defensive player on the court.
The Lakers may be hesitant to accept the Knicks’ offer despite the fact that it includes important components since it will be difficult to replace Davis right away, particularly in the area of interior defence. Though intriguing, the move might not fit with the Lakers’ hopes for a quick turnaround.
4. Kings of Sacramento
Sacramento Kings star Anthony Davis
The Fadeaway World credit
Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, Davion Mitchell, a 2026 first-round selection, and a 2028 first-round pick are given to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Anthony Davis to Sacramento Kings
The Lakers have a potential dynamic in this trade proposal. With his remarkable averages of 19.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in 11 games, Sabonis would provide crucial playmaking in the post and be an ideal addition to LeBron, D’Lo, and Reaves in pick-and-roll scenarios. In addition, the addition of Mitchell, a superb perimeter defender, and Murray, who has shown his excellent shooting abilities in 11 games (13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists), would solve certain requirements on the Lakers squad.
But in order to make this trade happen, the Lakers would have to give up the defensive pillar that has been essential to their success and has helped them make up for external defensive deficiencies. The Kings could be reluctant to break up this well-established dynamic given their recent success with the Fox-Sabonis combo and their stellar showing as the third seed in the Western Conference the year before.
Although the Lakers have great offensive potential as a result of the move, there are strategic considerations to be made, especially with regard to how it will affect the team’s defensive skills. With a formula that works, the Kings must decide whether to change or maintain their current dynamic. Although appealing, the move presents both clubs with strategic obstacles to overcome.
Three. Timberwolves of Minnesota
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Davis
The Fadeaway World credit
Karl-Anthony Towns, 2024 first-round (pick swap), 2028 first-round (pick swap), and 2024 second-round pick are awarded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Received by the Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Davis
There are a lot of interesting things about this transaction, especially the draft picks and Towns’ superior floor-stretching potential over Davis. Towns is without a doubt a standout player after averaging an incredible 21.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 11 games. It is intriguing to think about him and LeBron together to open up the paint.
But it’s important to understand that even if Towns is excellent at floor spacing, Anthony Davis is superior to him in a number of areas. In addition to having a more complete offensive game in the paint, Davis is an excellent defensive player both inside and outside the paint. In spite of Towns’ celebrity status, Davis is still a superior choice for interior defense, perimeter play, and offensive variety on a squad led by Darvin Ham, who favors a more defensive style of play.
Towns has special capabilities and intriguing draft assets, but the Lakers would be losing a man who is a multifaceted player in this trade. Whether the team chooses to accept the trade or not would depend on how much they value Towns’ ability to move the floor and offset Anthony Davis’s wider skill set.
2. Heat of Miami
Miami Heat’s Anthony Davis
The Fadeaway World credit
Los Angeles Lakers acquire: Caleb Martin, Bam Adebayo, and a first-round selection in 2027.
Anthony Davis gets received by the Miami Heat.
With a skill set comparable to Davis’, defensive mainstay Bam Adebayo would be a desirable addition to a switch defence plan designed to counteract the advantages that perimeter players bring. Adebayo’s defensive adaptability and capacity for multi-positional guarding fit the Lakers’ requirements perfectly. With averages of 22.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 11 games, he has demonstrated promise offensively.
Adebayo has offensive potential and a strong defence, but it’s important to recognise that he lacks Anthony Davis’s paint-mowing ability and consistency as a scorer. Davis has a greater impact on the court both offensively and defensively, especially when it comes to guarding the rim.
While Adebayo and other assets were acquired by the Lakers as part of the trade, Anthony Davis’ special skill set and all-around ability will be difficult to replace. Both teams should strategically evaluate the Miami package, as the talent gap between Davis and Adebayo may not be entirely compensated for.
1. Warriors of the Golden State
The Golden State Warriors’ Anthony Davis
The Fadeaway World credit
The following are received by the Los Angeles Lakers: Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and Gary Payton II; first-round picks in 2025, 2026 (selection swapped), 2027, 2028, and 2029;
Received by the Golden State Warriors: Anthony Davis
The Lakers have a tonne of alternatives going forward thanks to this trade scenario, which might increase their assets and help them prepare for life beyond LeBron. Draymond Green would provide a valuable, experienced presence and defensive prowess; he and LeBron have a close relationship. But the real question is whether the Lakers can replicate Davis’s offensive output, especially considering how far Draymond has fallen from his best.
Despite having won defensive player of the year once, Draymond is not as effective offensively as Davis is, and at 33, he might never reach his best again. For the Lakers’ long-term goals, Kuminga’s youthful talent and the extra assets are valuable. Even so, they might not win any additional games or titles right away as a result of this trade.
In the event that the Lakers were thinking about rebuilding without LeBron, this transaction might have been a calculated risk. But the trade might not help them immediately, given their present win-now mindset and championship ambitions. If the Lakers parted ways with Anthony Davis, they would lose a great deal of on-court impact but gain future flexibility.
Why would trading Anthony Davis be stupid for the Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers rely heavily on Anthony Davis, one of the top two-way players in the NBA, to contribute on both sides of the court. His exceptional capacity to lead the club in both offensive and defensive play simultaneously produces an uncommon and vital dynamic.
It’s difficult to find a trade for Anthony Davis that delivers value comparable to his. A trade would probably not be able to match the value he adds to the Lakers because of his highly sought-after skill set and game-changing ability.
The Lakers’ success is largely dependent on the camaraderie among its players, and trading Davis might upset this delicate balance. His presence on the court and his teammates’ friendship are crucial to creating a winning environment.
Due to his strong start to the season, Anthony Davis is the clear favourite to win Defensive Player of the Year. Losing him would affect the Lakers’ ability to defend as well as their ability to maintain their uneven season opener.
In 2019, LeBron James explicitly asked Anthony Davis to leave the New Orleans Pelicans and join the Lakers. This collaboration was incredibly fruitful and culminated in an NBA championship in 2020. Their special relationship and their achievements on the court highlight how important it is to keep Davis.
Looking ahead, the Lakers see Anthony Davis taking over as the team’s leader once LeBron James leaves. In addition to endangering the team’s short-term success, trading him away also shatters the Lakers’ long-term goals and strategic vision for their post-LeBron era. Choosing to break up with Anthony Davis would be a risky move that would affect the Lakers’ current and future seasons.