Anthony Davis never had things as good as he did with LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers had a superstar duo that operated perfectly off one another. It led to a championship. They probably could have won more than just one, too, had the roster around them not fallen short of what was needed.
Alas, the latter years of that partnership were chalked up as unsuccessful. It eventually led to the Lakers cutting their losses and shipping Davis out of town in the overnight blockbuster that was the Luka Doncic trade.
Doncic has found his footing in Los Angeles. Davis has felt out of place with the Dallas Mavericks. There have been several teams linked to the star big man in hopes of changing that. The latest of them? That would be the Milwaukee Bucks.
Christian Clark and Sam Amick wrote, "League sources say the Milwaukee Bucks (16-20; 11th in the East) are also among the teams that have registered interest in trading for Davis, though a deal appears unlikely."
Davis and Giannis would be an elite duo — but it's a long shot
The two writers from The Athletic noted this falls right in line with the Bucks' endless attempts to give Giannis Antetokounmpo a reason to stay in town. In all fairness, this one would actually offer great intrigue.
So what's the main problem? The practicality.
Unfortunately for Davis, being paired up with Antetokounmpo feels pretty out of reach. The Bucks have very little in the form of assets the Mavericks would have interest in.
Clark and Amick noted, "Their scarce asset base and lack of sizable contracts could limit the attractiveness of a potential trade package."
Surprising? Not at all.
The Bucks are trying to turn water into wine when it comes to improving the roster around their franchise superstar. Davis might have his issues with injuries, and otherwise, but the former NBA champion is not without upside when available.
Antetokounmpo's improved playmaking over the years would give the former Laker someone who can set the table for him offensively, much like Davis had in Los Angeles with James. Giannis is not quite the passer LeBron is, but the versatile big is far from incapable.
Davis would need a more reliable 3-point shot to truly compliment Antetokounmpo in the frontcourt. Spacing has always served Giannis well.
All the talk of theoretical fit is fun. Seeing the two share the court would be an enjoyable watch. However, the Bucks' path to giving the former Lakers big man his best teammate since LeBron is one filled with obstacles.