In a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast on The Ringer, Simmons proposed a trade that could send shockwaves through the NBA: the Golden State Warriors acquiring Anthony Davis from the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster deal.
The proposed trade would involve a haul of assets going back to Los Angeles, setting the stage for what could be one of the most dramatic mid-season moves in recent memory.
Warriors receive: Anthony Davis
Lakers receive: Draymond Green, Dennis Schroder, Jonathan Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2025 1st Round-Pick, 2027 1st Round-Pick, 2029 pick swap
The Lakers currently hold a 23-18 record, sitting fifth in the Western Conference. While this position puts them in playoff contention, reports suggest growing concern from LeBron James and Anthony Davis about the team’s inability—or unwillingness—to make major roster upgrades ahead of the February trade deadline.
Despite those concerns, Lakers management appears more inclined toward smaller moves involving second-round picks rather than leveraging their two tradeable first-round picks (2029 and 2031) for immediate help.
Simmons’ trade proposal gives the Lakers a mix of assets that could help them rebuild while remaining competitive.
A four-time NBA champion and defensive leader, Draymond Green (8.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 41.5% FG, 36.2% 3PT FG) would bring high basketball IQ, leadership, and defensive versatility to the Lakers. His connection with LeBron James and mutual respect could create a strong locker room dynamic.
Dennis Schroder’s (14.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 41.8% FG, 35.0% 3PT FG) inclusion provides an immediate solution for the Lakers’ need for a steady hand as the secondary ball handler. Schroder also has familiarity with the Lakers’ system, having previously played for the team during the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons.
A 22-year-old forward with sky-high potential, Jonathan Kuminga (16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 45.9% FG, 34.5% 3PT FG) offers athleticism, defensive promise, and offensive upside. He could develop into a franchise cornerstone for the post-LeBron era.
Trayce Jackson-Davis (7.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 70.2% FG), a sophomore big man with solid fundamentals and rebounding ability adds depth to the Lakers’ frontcourt. Three first-round picks (including a swap) provide valuable flexibility for future trades or rebuilding efforts.
The Lakers would acquire both immediate contributors and young players to build around, but parting ways with Anthony Davis—arguably their second-most important player—would be a risky move. Davis remains a dominant force on both ends of the floor, and trading him could disrupt the team’s chemistry and championship aspirations.
The Warriors, sitting 11th in the West with a 22-22 record, are in a precarious position. Stephen Curry, now 36, has made it clear he’s unwilling to spend his twilight years on a mediocre team. This proposed trade would give the Warriors a massive upgrade in the form of Davis, a superstar big man who could provide elite rim protection and score alongside Curry.
Pairing Davis with Curry and the Warriors’ existing system could rejuvenate Golden State’s hopes, especially in a tight Western Conference. Davis’ ability to dominate inside would also give the Warriors an interior presence they’ve lacked in recent years.
However, the Warriors would have to part with key assets, including the beloved Green and promising young talents in Kuminga and Jackson-Davis. They’d also be mortgaging their future draft capital to win now, a move that could backfire if the Davis-Curry duo doesn’t deliver a championship.
LeBron James would likely veto this trade, considering his close partnership with Davis. The duo won a championship in 2020 and remains one of the league’s most dominant one-two punches when healthy. Trading Davis, who serves as both a defensive anchor and offensive force, could jeopardize the Lakers’ chances of competing for another title during LeBron’s remaining years.
While Simmons’ trade idea is intriguing, it seems unlikely that either team would ultimately pull the trigger. The Warriors would be taking a significant gamble by depleting their depth and future assets, while the Lakers would risk alienating LeBron and destabilizing their current roster. This hypothetical deal is fascinating to consider but appears more suited for a “what if” scenario than actual execution.
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