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The Unbelievable AD Saga: Why The Lakers Are Desperate To Trade *For* Anthony Davis Again

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The NBA landscape has been irrevocably altered since the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks, but the drama is far from over. As of December 19, 2025, the latest trade rumors suggest a stunning new chapter: the Lakers are reportedly exploring options to re-acquire their former championship-winning big man, creating one of the most bizarre and compelling storylines in recent league history.

The initial trade, which brought Luka Dončić to Los Angeles, was an immediate seismic shift, yet the Mavericks' subsequent struggles have put Davis back on the trade block. Now, the question isn't whether the Lakers should have traded him, but rather what they are willing to give up to undo a move that has left them searching for a consistent defensive anchor and secondary star.

Anthony Davis: Full Biography and Career Profile

Anthony Marshon Davis, known simply as "AD," is one of the most decorated and dominant big men of his generation, celebrated for his unique two-way ability as a power forward and center.

  • Full Name: Anthony Marshon Davis Jr.
  • Born: March 11, 1993 (Age 32 as of 2025)
  • Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
  • College: University of Kentucky
  • NBA Draft: 2012, Round 1, Pick 1 (New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans)
  • Current Team (2025-26): Dallas Mavericks
  • Primary Position: Power Forward / Center

Key Career Achievements:

  • NBA Champion (2020, with Los Angeles Lakers)
  • 10x NBA All-Star
  • 5x All-NBA Team Selection (including 4x First Team)
  • 5x NBA All-Defensive Team Selection
  • 3x NBA Blocks Leader
  • NBA 75th Anniversary Team Member
  • Career Averages (approx.): 24.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.3 blocks (over 799 games)

The Stunning Trade Context: Why AD is Available Again

The trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Dončić on the night of February 1–2, 2025, was initially hailed as a win for the Lakers, who secured a generational offensive talent. However, the ripple effects have been complex. While Dončić has been phenomenal, the Mavericks, who paired Davis with Kyrie Irving, have struggled to find consistent chemistry and defensive identity, leading to underperformance.

This struggle has reportedly led to internal discussions in Dallas about a full-scale roster retooling, with Davis—who is eligible for a massive four-year, $275 million maximum contract extension in August—becoming the team's most valuable trade asset. The Mavericks' insider expectation that Davis will be traded has fueled a frenzy across the league, with multiple teams lining up to acquire a proven championship-level big man.

Several teams have been prominently linked to the Mavericks' star, including the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, and Detroit Pistons, all looking for a franchise-altering centerpiece. This widespread interest is what has reportedly prompted the Lakers’ front office to begin "quietly crafting the perfect trade" to bring him back, prioritizing an immediate return to contention.

The Lakers' Desperate Pursuit: Proposed Trade Packages for an AD Reunion

The irony of trading a player only to try and re-acquire him a year later is not lost on NBA analysts, but the Lakers' motivation is clear: they need the two-way dominance and defensive presence that Davis provided during their 2020 title run. The challenge lies in constructing a package that can satisfy a Mavericks team that is also looking to maximize their return for a player earning $54.1 million in the 2025-26 season.

Scenario 1: The Multi-Team Blockbuster

One of the most widely discussed, albeit complex, trade proposals involves the Lakers securing AD through a multi-team deal. In a recent ESPN mock trade, Anthony Davis was sent to the Golden State Warriors alongside Mason Plumlee. The Lakers, in this scenario, would receive a $38 million shooting guard (like Buddy Hield) and other assets, or they could potentially pivot to re-acquiring Davis directly. This highlights the fluidity of the trade market, where the Lakers are active participants in any AD-related discussion.

Scenario 2: The Rui Hachimura-Centric Deal

Another, more direct rumor suggests the Lakers could build a package around existing movable salary and draft capital. Rui Hachimura, whose contract is seen as a valuable trade chip, would likely be the centerpiece of any outgoing salary from Los Angeles. The Lakers would then need to acquire an additional third team to take on Hachimura and send further assets, such as draft picks and young talent, to the Mavericks to meet the massive value of Davis.

The Lakers have a limited arsenal of future first-round picks due to previous trades, making any deal for a superstar like Davis a high-risk, high-reward proposition that would mortgage their long-term future. However, with LeBron James's window closing and the team's championship expectations remaining high, the front office faces immense pressure to make a bold move at the upcoming trade deadline.

Topical Authority: The Ripple Effect and Key Entities

The ongoing Anthony Davis trade saga affects far more than just the Lakers and Mavericks. It is a critical inflection point for the entire league, influencing the strategies of several contenders and rebuilding teams. The involvement of Davis’s agent, Rich Paul, who is reportedly seeking "clarity" from the Mavericks about their plans, adds another layer of complexity to the negotiation process.

The teams and players most affected by these circulating rumors include:

  • Dallas Mavericks: The team is looking for a package that provides both immediate talent and future draft flexibility to build around Kyrie Irving and other core pieces.
  • Golden State Warriors: Their rumored interest suggests they are positioning themselves for a final championship push by adding a dominant interior presence to complement their aging core.
  • Atlanta Hawks & Toronto Raptors: These teams possess young assets and draft capital that could be packaged for a star like Davis, instantly elevating them to playoff contention.
  • Rui Hachimura & Gabe Vincent: As the Lakers' most movable mid-level salaries, their inclusion in any trade is almost guaranteed.

Ultimately, the Lakers' pursuit of Anthony Davis is a testament to his unique value and the desperate need for star power in Los Angeles. Whether they can orchestrate a trade to bring him back remains the biggest question looming over the next NBA trade deadline, promising a dramatic conclusion to one of the most unexpected superstar movements in recent memory.

lakers trade anthony davis
lakers trade anthony davis

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