The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to field a capable frontcourt rotation since trading away Anthony Davis. Could the answer be a return for Davis? To make that happen, the Lakers probably have to convince LeBron James to be in the trade - and that requires some help from the Dallas Mavericks.
To unpack this particular situation, things go back to February of 2025. The Lakers pulled off an absolute heist, trading Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick for Luka Doncic. For all that Davis accomplished with the Lakers and his two-way dominance as a big man, landing a top-5 player just entering his prime was a no-brainer for Rob Pelinka and the Lakers.