The Anthony Davis to Los Angeles trade scenario is now in full swing. With the Lakers reportedly willing to get aggressive with trade packages for Davis by the deadline, they realize the time is perfect to go ahead and land the generational talent. But, in order to complete this mission, the trade must include Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and Brandon Ingram.

Ball, Kuzma, and Ingram were initially drafted to become core building blocks for the Lakers. Although young, they came in with plenty of talent as well as room for development. But, the signing of LeBron James changed the trajectory of the Lakers franchise's vision, and Los Angeles went from a Process-like philosophy to a win-now one.

When James has been healthy, the Lakers have looked like a solid team in the Western Conference, but not a squad capable of contending with the Golden State Warriors in a seven-game series. Thus, Anthony Davis' willingness to become a trade option has opened up the possibility of a contender in making, like Los Angeles, landing him.

With LeBron, the Lakers are a playoff team, but with Davis they automatically become contenders. A tandem of James and Davis will bolster the Western Conference and its standing as the toughest of the two conferences in the NBA. Most importantly, it gives the Warriors another threat that could possibly contend for their dynasty in the West.

The Warriors are known to rev up their play as the playoffs draw closer. A Davis-James-led Lakers team could cause the Warriors to reevaluate how the regular season is viewed for years to come.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
NBA news: Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·
Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal stands next to Kobe Bryant with GOAT signs in background
Shaquille O’Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe BryantRandall Barnes ·
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emergeErik Slater ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James dumps fuel on Brian Windhorst feud with calloutMalik Brown ·

While the Lakers young core at the moment can play with the Warriors, it's not likely they could defeat them in a playoff series. Yes, they are talented, but their youth can be a detriment, which is why they've struggled in the absence of James. If packaged for a deal, James no longer has to worry who his No. 2 option is. Similar to the Rockets' two-star system, the Lakers will be granted clarity with James and Davis. In turn, the role players can comfortably contribute without the burden of feeling as if they need to step up.

Davis is a transcendent talent, and perhaps the most talented teammate James would ever have. While Dwyane Wade was a gifted player in his own right, Davis has the size, skills, and attributes to become an all-time great. Paired with James, the two could legitimize the Lakers as contenders for the duration of James' contract.

That is, if Davis is accepting to a max contract from Lakers upon arrival. Davis said he wants to leave behind a legacy and isn't gung-ho on the money. If the Lakers trade for him, they can give Davis the stability he wants, the legacy he craves, and potentially add key players via free agency to carry out Davis' dreams.

With James coming back healthy soon, the time is now for the Lakers to go ahead and trade for Davis. With James' clock ticking, it's no telling when his decline could come. To maximize their investment in James, it's best for the Lakers to go for it all by acquiring Davis.