The Los Angeles Lakers gave up two first-round draft picks and two swaps to land Walker Kessler, which eliminates them from any Anthony Davis trade discussions. AD is in the final guaranteed year of his contract and has an uncertain future with the Wizards. There is already trade buzz, but Davis won’t be returning to the purple and gold this season.
Scott Kaplan brought this back up by sharing some gossip he heard about AD wanting to return. It would be fantastic to get him back. Davis is still a superstar and a two-way force. He would make the Lakers better, but it is just not realistic.
Los Angeles has just one first-round pick swap and three second-round draft selections available to trade. The Wizards gave up two first-rounders and three second-rounders to land Davis at the 2026 trade deadline. He is playing well and helping Washington chase the playoffs. The Wizards may trade him, but they aren’t selling low or buying him out.
Lakers don’t have a path to trade for Anthony Davis
Even if the purple and gold could convince Washington to accept their package of draft capital, the Lakers don’t have a path to trade for Davis. The future Hall of Famer is making $58.4 million this season. Los Angeles is hard-capped at the first apron and would need to match salaries to complete a deal.
Only Nico Harrison would trade Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, so that isn’t happening.
The Lakers signed Austin Reaves to a four-year, $184.7 million contract to be Luka’s co-star. The two share a close bond and are on the same age timeline. LA is not trading Reaves for a big man who is five years older.
The Lakers just paid handsomely to make Kessler their long-term center. Doncic wanted a pick-and-roll partner capable of protecting the rim. The partnership is working, so this is a non-starter.
Los Angeles’ only other path to acquiring AD is moving on from Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jarred Vanderbilt, Collin Sexton, Jake LaRavia, and Jaden Hardy. The Wizards can’t take back Hardy in a trade and have no desire to split Davis’ contract into a handful of role players. Washington needs the star talent if they want to contend.
There is no other way to trade for Davis this season. The Lakers could pursue an offseason sign-and-trade without losing Doncic, Reaves, or Kessler, but it is still highly unlikely.
Lakers chose Walker Kessler over Anthony Davis
Los Angeles had the draft capital this summer and was looking to fill Luka’s request for a big man. The Lakers identified Kessler as the best option. He has fit perfectly. Luka looks like the MVP, and Kessler’s willingness to set screens, protect the rim, and do the dirty work is part of the reason why.
The Lakers could have held out for Anthony Davis. They had cap space and spent it. Kessler got a four-year, $129.4 million contract along with the draft capital cost. LA signed Austin Reaves to a $184.7 million extension. Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili also got four-year deals.
There was uncertainty about AD from the moment the Wizards acquired him. He didn’t ask to be traded to DC, and Davis wants to win. Washington is trying to get back into contention, but they haven’t made the playoffs since 2021.
The Lakers had a chance to get Davis, but prioritized Kessler as their center. Fans dreaming of the duo sharing the frontcourt should think again.
Lakers aren’t acquiring Anthony Davis to play next to Walker Kessler
The Lakers played AD at center for his last three years in LA. The ten-time All-Star wanted the franchise to acquire a big man and move him to the four. He still thinks that is his best position, but the Lakers know the truth.
Davis is a career 29.6 percent 3-point shooter. Playing him next to a traditional big man like Kessler shrinks the floor and clogs the paint. Luka wants to get downhill to open up his 3-point shooting. The Lakers’ spacing created the best offense in the NBA. LA is not ruining that to bring back AD.
Davis’ rebounding and rim protection fall off when playing the four. He is an elite defender. It makes sense to maximize his production by using him in his best position. AD doesn’t want to have to battle the opposition center every night, but his team needs him to do just that.
Anthony Davis may want to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, but the franchise chose Walker Kessler over the future Hall of Famer. AD is 33 years old with a lengthy injury history. The Lakers wanted to get younger and more athletic. Kessler is their center of the present and future. Davis needs to sort out his future, but he won’t be returning to LA.
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