The Los Angeles Lakers lost in the Western Conference Finals to the Denver Nuggets, with the series finishing 4-0 in the Nuggets’ favor. This was a tough blow for the Lakers, as this year was likely one of the last times this veteran core had a realistic chance of competing for a title.
One of the notable things that came as a result of this loss was LeBron James announcing that he might end up retiring. This will have a big effect on the Lakers as if it happens, they will have to likely enter a rebuilding process and acquire assets and young players that can help them compete in the future.
The easiest way to do that would be to trade superstar Anthony Davis. He is the most valuable player on the Lakers’ roster, and it is clear that moving would net the team the largest amount of assets. There are multiple fantastic destinations for him where he can compete while also getting the team a solid package for a retool. Here are the best trade destinations for Anthony Davis.
3. New York Knicks
New York Knicks Receive: Anthony Davis
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK)
The New York Knicks have lacked a superstar for a long time, and perhaps acquiring Anthony Davis can be the answer for them. Jalen Brunson clearly didn’t have any player that could step up and help him offensively in this year’s playoffs, and acquiring Anthony Davis would change that. He seems like a good fit with Brunson, and as a play-finisher, he would take full advantage of Brunson’s playmaking.
In this deal, the Los Angeles Lakers would receive All-NBA player Julius Randle and two-way wing RJ Barrett. Both players are extremely durable, which is an underrated quality in the modern NBA. Anthony Davis has notably been criticized for his durability during his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, and if the team is retooling, they will likely want players who are available to play games and withstand the regular season. Since the New Orleans Pelicans own their pick next year, the team has no incentive to tank. Julius Randle and RJ Barrett are both locked into long-term deals as well, which is fantastic for the Lakers. On top of the two players they’d receive in this deal, they’d also receive a first-round pick from the Knicks as a sweetener for the deal.
Though there is some risk in this deal for the New York Knicks in the case that Anthony Davis decides to walk, there are some appealing reasons for him to stay. He would become the fact of one of the most popular franchises in the NBA and be on a competitive team with younger players that can help him throughout the regular season.
2. New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Anthony Davis
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, Dyson Daniels, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2024 First-Round Pick (NOP)
The New Orleans Pelicans are a much different team than when Anthony Davis left, and they have an elite star duo in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Though the duo has struggled to make the playoffs thus far, perhaps bringing back one of the best players in team history who has won a championship could help them learn how to win. There is no doubt that if they remain healthy, a trio of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Anthony Davis could win a championship.
Anthony Davis would be perfect in Willie Green’s defensive-oriented system, and he would give the team the mobile center and rim protector that they have been lacking for the last few seasons. Though moving CJ McCollum would perhaps hurt the veteran presence on the team, the team would retain Larry Nance Jr and Garrett Temple while also adding Anthony Davis to fill that void.
The Los Angeles Lakers would get back a package headlined by elite guard CJ McCollum, who is well-known for being a 3PT specialist. They would get Jonas Valanciunas’ expiring contract for some salary relief as well. Dyson Daniels (a former lottery pick with a defensive mindset) and the two first-round picks would be assets for the future. They would notably get their own 2024 first-round pick back in this deal, which would give them the freedom to tank and develop young players.
1. Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls Receive: Anthony Davis
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine, Dalen Terry
The Chicago Bulls are Anthony Davis’ hometown team, and he would immediately become the No. 1 option on the team. The team could retool around him and DeMar DeRozan after moving Zach LaVine. They would have a realistic chance of competing in a weaker Eastern Conference with that duo, especially if they end up making another big move to supplement the Anthony Davis trade.
One of the biggest criticisms of Anthony Davis from Lakers fans and analysts has been his inconsistent offense. While his defense is consistently elite, there are times when the big man struggles to impact the game offensively and becomes a passive scorer.
Getting Zach LaVine would give the Los Angeles Lakers a more consistent offensive star, who is well known for being a volume scorer that can take over a game offensively. He is the type of scorer that a team can build around, especially if he remains healthy like he has this past season. He would fit the timelines of players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, who the team reportedly wants to keep.
On top of Zach LaVine, the Los Angeles Lakers would also get young guard Dalen Terry, who has a lot of upside due to his athleticism and skill. Being on the Los Angeles Lakers in this scenario would help him develop, as there would be more minutes up for grabs.
Overall, this deal would get the Lakers a star that can usher in the next era of Lakers basketball without LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It would be interesting to see him lead the team, and with the right pieces, a Zach LaVine team could be very dangerous.
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