A massive three-team trade rumor is making waves, proposing a path for Anthony Davis to return to the Lakers. The deal would team the 33-year-old big man with superstar Luka Doncic, instantly creating a new title contender in Los Angeles.
The complex proposal, floated by NBA reporter Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, involves the Lakers, Washington Wizards, and Utah Jazz. In the deal, the Lakers would land Davis, Utah’s rising star Ace Bailey, and a handful of second-round picks. It’s a clear win-now move designed to give Doncic the elite pick-and-roll partner he needs.
Washington would pivot to a full rebuild, acquiring the No. 2 overall pick, Lauri Markkanen, and a treasure trove of unprotected Lakers first-round picks in 2030 and 2032. The Jazz would cash in their assets, receiving the No. 1 overall pick, Trae Young, and additional draft capital. For the Lakers, pairing Doncic’s elite playmaking with Davis’s dominance as a lob threat and paint protector would be a tactical dream. The move would immediately address the team’s biggest need for a premier big man.
But the deal is a long shot. It’s considered highly unrealistic for several reasons. First, Jazz executive Danny Ainge has a long history of avoiding trades that help the Lakers, making the inclusion of young star Ace Bailey seem far-fetched. Second, the Wizards could likely increase Davis’s trade value by waiting until the mid-season deadline, creating a bidding war. Davis himself has fueled speculation by liking social media posts about his original 2019 trade to L.A., but for now, this blockbuster remains firmly in the rumor mill.
