The Los Angeles Lakers disappointed their fans across the world on Thursday night. Going down 0-3 in the series against the reigning NBA champions means the Lakers have lost 11 straight games to the Nuggets. That is an unacceptable record and there are doubts about this team winning an NBA championship with LeBron James on the roster. The King is 39 years old and the Lakers need to find a way to maximize his talents as he has a $51,415,938 player option this summer and will likely only stay if the roster improves.
Anthony Davis is the player the Lakers have to move because even if he dropped 33 points last night, his impact and presence are not there consistently. The Lakers need to gamble to build a competitive roster around LeBron James, especially after Anthony Davis’ comments unnerved the Lakers franchise earlier this week. It could be time for a breakup, and the team that is on the opposite side to facilitate a deal is the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors lost to the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament and their star Stephen Curry has been watching from home, meaning they also want to shake up the roster for a major resurgence next season. In what can be considered a mega blockbuster trade for the ages, the Lakers can trade Anthony Davis to the Warriors for a package centered around Draymond Green.
Trade Package
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
Golden State Warriors Receive: Anthony Davis
This blockbuster deal will shake the NBA grounds rather considerably, especially in the Western Conference, and here is why this deal works for both sides this summer.
Los Angeles Lakers Add Defenders, Young Stars, And Build Chemistry
The Los Angeles Lakers would be making a strategic move aimed at shoring up their defense, infusing their roster with youthful talent, and potentially setting the stage for a post-LeBron era. Anthony Davis (24.7 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 2.3 BPG), despite his undeniable talent, has been a source of frustration for Lakers fans due to his injury woes and perceived inconsistency in effort. His recent comments have further strained relations within the organization. It has been a love-hate relationship with Davis and it might be time to move on.
By trading Davis to the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers would acquire a versatile and seasoned defender in Draymond Green, whose championship experience and close relationship with LeBron James could help foster team chemistry and establish a defensive identity. With Green (8.6 ppg, 7.2 RPG, 6.0 APG), the Lakers will improve defensively and he could also help nurture players such as Rui Hachimura who occupies the same position.Â
Additionally, receiving promising young prospects in Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, along with future first-round picks, offers the Lakers the opportunity to cultivate talent for the future, especially as they prepare for LeBron’s eventual retirement. Kuminga had a breakout season, posting 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, and looks to be heading toward being a two-way star. Moody, in particular, could potentially develop into a valuable asset for the Lakers’ long-term plans because he is only 21 years old and averaged 8.1 points per game this season. Â
In terms of next season, the Lakers will improve their defense and also give Kuminga a chance to prove he can be an All-Star. If there is one player who can improve his play, it is LeBron James. A lineup of D’Angelo Russell (re-signs), Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green will be able to run up and down and switch on defense. Overall, this trade package not only addresses immediate needs but also positions the Lakers for sustained success.
Golden State Warriors Re-Tool With Size And Solve Their Problems
The Golden State Warriors will aim to address several pressing issues that have emerged during the season. Draymond Green’s behavior and declining production have become concerns for the team, particularly with his age surpassing 34. His four on-court ejections and off-court demeanor suggest that his tenure with the Warriors may be coming to an end.
By acquiring Anthony Davis from the Los Angeles Lakers, the Warriors would inject size and dominance into their frontcourt, alleviating some of the pressure on their aging core. Sacrificing promising young talents like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, along with future draft picks, is a significant but necessary move to secure a player of Davis’s caliber.
With Davis anchoring the paint, the Warriors could potentially create a formidable superteam, with Klay Thompson re-signing and Andrew Wiggins (13.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG In 2023-24) assuming a starting role alongside Stephen Curry. The Warriors have always dominated in recent seasons without the presence of a big man, but Davis fits in since he can space the floor and also run on the break.Â
Curry and Thompson will space the floor exceptionally well around Davis and Wiggins will likely find his best spot again as a wing player who is the fourth option. This reshuffling of the roster not only addresses chemistry issues but also provides Thompson with another opportunity to thrive alongside a dominant big man, potentially propelling the Warriors back into title contention for another championship run.
A Last Chance To Win A Championship For Both Teams
In what could be viewed as a last chance for championship glory, both the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers are making bold moves to maximize their title aspirations. For the Warriors, acquiring Anthony Davis alongside a re-signed Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins presents a formidable roster anchored by the unparalleled shooting of Stephen Curry. This combination offers Golden State a final opportunity to capture another championship before potential roster changes loom as Curry is over 36 years old with the end in sight.
Conversely, the Lakers, with LeBron James leading the charge alongside Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and a re-signed D’Angelo Russell, are assembling a squad with defensive prowess and youthful energy, providing one last shot at championship glory as LeBron’s career enters its twilight. Both teams are banking on their revamped rosters next season because neither of them can run it back.
Following the Lakers’ rather disappointing loss on Thursday night, Anthony Davis’ days in Los Angeles could be numbered. As he is over 31 years old and counting, the big man might not be as dominant as he used to be and this season could be the last for him. If the Lakers want to run it back with LeBron James, they need to make changes and a new roster could give them one more chance to win it all with The King.
