The Los Angeles Lakers are aiming for another deep playoff run and may turn to the trade deadline to strengthen their roster. While they’ve performed well this season, they still seem to be one or two key players away from serious championship contention.
Many expect the Lakers to continue pushing for a title, but what if they took a different approach? The team has valuable trade assets, including star forward Anthony Davis, who could bring in a significant return if moved.
Doug McKain of The Big Lead proposed that if the Lakers ever considered trading Davis, the Oklahoma City Thunder could be a logical destination. With an abundance of tradeable draft picks, McKain believes the Thunder could provide the best return for Los Angeles.
“Potentially move Anthony Davis. I look at a team like the Oklahoma City Thunder, that have about 10,000 picks. And a Thunder team that is ready to win a title but they are missing that veteran. What if the Thunder called you and offered you a bunch of picks? Would you take it if you were the Lakers? If you’re really serious about a rebuild.”
Although a trade involving Davis seems unlikely in the near future, if the Lakers fail to assemble a championship-caliber team, they might have to consider it. Davis remains in his prime and could fetch a substantial package of draft picks, laying the foundation for a rebuild.
Historically, the Lakers have prioritized star power over rebuilding, but in today’s NBA, that philosophy may be outdated.
Los Angeles is committed to making a title push, but another early playoff exit could force a shift in strategy. The front office may need to evaluate whether a rebuild is the best long-term move.
With the trade deadline just days away, the Lakers have critical decisions to make. How aggressive they’ll be remains uncertain, but if they want to compete for a championship this season, changes may be necessary.
