Don’t look now, but the Los Angeles Lakers’ dream trade just got one step closer to becoming reality. Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo just requested a trade, which is sure to throw the league into chaos.
As a result, all of a sudden the Dallas Mavericks may have a much tougher time moving star Anthony Davis. After all, his trade value appears to be surprisingly low, with few teams seemingly willing to match the Mavericks’ asking price.
If Giannis isn’t moved until late January or early February, the Mavericks risk being unable to move him this season. That would probably result in his trade value sinking ever lower heading into the offseason.
That could result in the Mavs being forced to lower their asking price, which would increase the likelihood that the Lakers could get in on a potential Davis trade. Davis, of course, spent five seasons with the Lakers and helped them win a championship in 2020 before being traded last February for Luka Doncic.
The Lakers must bring Anthony Davis back to become a true contender
Bringing him back would be a huge boon for the Lakers, who could pair him with Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. Although his age and injury history remain a concern, the Lakers know how to get the best out of Davis, and he put up some of the best numbers of his career as a member of the Lakers.
He also will be playing with Doncic for the first time, and he should thrive playing alongside a playmaker of his caliber. Additionally, he could play power forward while Deandre Ayton continues to start at center, giving Los Angeles a massive frontline with LeBron, Davis, and Ayton with Doncic and Reaves in the backcourt.
Having Davis back and a big frontline could help to juice their defense, with them ranking just 19th in defensive rating this season. No matter their record, they aren’t going to go far in the playoffs with a below-average defense.
Davis is the best-available defensive player on the market and could almost single-handedly move the needle and get them where they need to be. It will cost them players such as Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Dalton Knecht, as well as all of their remaining firsts.
Nevertheless, it could ultimately be worth it if they can help to close the gap between them and the Oklahoma City Thunder or Denver Nuggets and win it all this season.
