Ever since the Los Angeles Lakers traded Anthony Davis in February 2025 to acquire Luka Dončić, one question has hovered around the franchise: Is the frontcourt truly complete?
While the Lakers have managed to build a competent defense and a dynamic offense around Dončić, there is a lingering sense that the roster lacks a true elite anchor at the rim — the kind of interior force Davis once provided.
Now, a new idea is making the rounds in league conversations:
What if the solution to the Lakers’ biggest problem is bringing Davis back — even if it means trading LeBron James to make it happen?
How the Lakers Ended Up Here
The story begins in February 2025, when the Lakers pulled off one of the most dramatic trades in franchise history:
Anthony Davis + Max Christie + a first-round pick → Luka Dončić.
For all of Davis’ dominance and central role in the 2020 championship, the chance to acquire a 26-year-old top-five superstar was simply too much to pass up.
The shift was immediate:
- The post-LeBron survival plan disappeared.
- A new long-term blueprint emerged — a full rebuild around Dončić as the franchise cornerstone.
But the roster fit wasn’t perfect.
LeBron and Dončić share similar roles as primary creators, and Dončić has historically thrived with a rim-running, shot-blocking big beside him.
Deandre Ayton, while productive, isn’t the aggressive lob threat or elite defensive anchor that Davis is.
The ideal fit next to Luka?
Anthony Davis — the player the Lakers traded away.
The Financial Problem
Bringing Davis back is not as easy as clicking “reverse trade.”
He earns 35% of the salary cap — roughly $54 million — meaning the Lakers would need matching salaries without crossing into the restrictive apron penalties.
Building a package around Austin Reaves would gut the roster and create more problems than solutions.
That leaves one uncomfortable but mathematically clean option:
➤ Use LeBron James’ $52.6 million salary as the centerpiece.
LeBron hasn’t played a game this season, isn’t part of the Lakers’ long-term plan, and the team has performed well with Dončić at the helm.
From a purely basketball standpoint, swapping LeBron for Davis would give the Lakers:
- Luka Dončić
- Anthony Davis
- Deandre Ayton
- Austin Reaves
- Marcus Smart
- Rui Hachimura
In other words:
A championship-caliber core with an elite defensive backbone — something last year’s roster lacked.
Where the Mavericks Fit In
For this hypothetical framework to work, Dallas becomes the necessary third partner.
They could take on LeBron James:
- to gain a massive near-expiring salary,
- to acquire future draft assets from the Lakers,
- and to reset their franchise timeline.
But why would LeBron accept a move to a rebuilding Mavericks team?
Here’s where the behind-the-scenes logic emerges:
➤ Dallas could waive LeBron shortly after acquiring him.
He would:
- Collect his full $52.6 million salary,
- Hit free agency immediately,
- Join any contender he chooses — Knicks, Cavaliers, Heat, or another title-hopeful.
Dallas gains flexibility.
LeBron gains freedom.
Lakers gain Davis.
It’s unorthodox, but not unrealistic.
Why the Idea Makes Sense for Everyone
This proposal sounds wild — because it is.
But it also checks every strategic box:
For the Lakers
- Reunite Davis with Dončić, forming a top-tier superstar duo.
- Add an elite defender and vertical spacer — two critical needs.
- Move on from LeBron without losing roster depth.
For the Mavericks
- Gain draft capital and a massive salary slot for the 2026 offseason.
- Clean up their books and accelerate their rebuild.
For LeBron James
- Collect maximum money,
- Choose his final destination freely,
- Join a contender on his own terms.
The idea is bold, uncomfortable, and shocking — but it fits the motivations of every side.
Which is exactly why it’s starting to gain traction in league circles.
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