--- title: "Davis-to-Lakers blockbuster floated in three-team swap" description: "A speculative three-team trade could reunite Anthony Davis with LeBron James, but it’s a long shot that hinges on the Lakers mortgaging future assets for a center upgrade." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/reporter-s-wild-trade-pitch-to-bring-anthony-davis-back-to-l-84d035dd published: 2026-07-01T16:49:07.628+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T16:49:07.628+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Davis-to-Lakers blockbuster floated in three-team swap > A speculative three-team trade could reunite Anthony Davis with LeBron James, but it’s a long shot that hinges on the Lakers mortgaging future assets for a center upgrade. A speculative three-team trade floated by Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson would return Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers, pairing him with rookie wing Ace Bailey. The proposal, outlined by the journalist, requires the Lakers to surrender multiple draft picks and young players while LeBron James takes a pay cut to absorb Davis’s contract. The Lakers would send assets to Utah and Washington as part of the blockbuster, which is centered on Davis’s return to L.A. The deal is centered on a reunion between Davis and LeBron James, a pairing that delivered a championship in 2020. The Lakers have struggled to find a reliable center since Davis’s departure, and the proposal reflects their urgency to address that need with a top-tier two-way big. The Jazz, meanwhile, would gain a package that could include multiple first-round picks and young talent, a potential windfall for a franchise in rebuild mode. Rookie Ace Bailey is included in the return, adding youth and athleticism on the wing. Bailey, selected 27th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, would provide long-term upside and defensive versatility, a clear upgrade over L.A.’s current wing rotation. His inclusion also signals the Lakers’ willingness to pair short-term star power with developmental assets, a strategy that could pay off if Bailey develops into a rotation player. LeBron James’s willingness to take a pay cut is a critical component of the scenario, allowing the Lakers to clear cap space and facilitate the trade. Without his financial flexibility, the deal collapses under salary-matching constraints. The move would also extend James’s legacy, giving him another shot at a title with a franchise he’s been synonymous with for two decades. The proposal is widely regarded as a long shot due to the complexity of the three-team structure and the number of assets required. The Jazz and Wizards would need to accept significant concessions, making the odds of execution slim despite the blockbuster appeal. Utah, in particular, would likely demand a haul that includes multiple first-round picks and young players, a steep price for any team to pay. The trade’s feasibility is further complicated by the Lakers’ recent draft history. While they’ve added promising young wings like Cam Whitmore and Jalen Hood-Schifino, their frontcourt remains a question mark. Davis’s return would instantly solve that issue, but it would also require the Lakers to part with assets they’ve already invested in, including future draft capital that could be used to address other roster gaps. Moreover, the Lakers’ willingness to mortgage their future for a short-term solution raises questions about their long-term strategy. By surrendering multiple draft picks and young players, they risk sacrificing the talent and depth that will be needed to maintain competitiveness in the years to come. This trade would essentially be a Hail Mary pass, with the Lakers hoping to win the championship before their assets dwindle. The Lakers’ front office has shown a preference for building through the draft and developing their own talent, rather than relying on high-risk trades to address their needs. This proposal would represent a significant departure from that approach, and it remains to be seen whether the team is willing to take that risk. What’s next: Unless a roster-altering injury or front-office shakeup shifts the calculus, this trade remains a thought experiment. The Lakers’ front office has shown no public inclination to revisit a Davis reunion, focusing instead on internal development and smaller-scale moves to address their center deficit. ## Why this matters Reuniting Anthony Davis with LeBron James would immediately compress the Lakers’ title window by adding a top-tier two-way center. Drafting Ace Bailey in the same deal injects youth and athleticism on the wing, addressing L.A.’s need for defensive versatility. The proposal exposes the franchise’s urgency for size and the fanbase’s nostalgia for the Davis era, even if the odds of execution are slim. It also highlights the Lakers’ willingness to gamble on high-risk, high-reward moves to stay competitive, a strategy that has defined their recent front-office decisions. ## Frequently asked ### What teams are involved in the proposed three-team trade? The deal involves the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, and Washington Wizards, with Anthony Davis moving back to L.A. and rookie Ace Bailey included as part of the return. ### Who would the Lakers send out in this trade? The Lakers would surrender multiple draft picks and young players, including at least one first-round selection, to facilitate the blockbuster return of Anthony Davis. ### Does LeBron James take a pay cut in this scenario? Yes, according to the proposal, LeBron James would take a pay cut to help the Lakers absorb Davis’s contract and clear salary-cap space for the trade. ### How likely is this trade to actually happen? The trade is considered highly unlikely due to the complexity of the three-team structure, the number of assets required, and the reluctance of teams to part with young talent and picks. ### Who is Ace Bailey and why is he included? Ace Bailey is a rookie wing selected 27th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. He’s included as part of the return to add long-term athleticism and two-way potential to the Lakers’ roster. ### What problem does this trade solve for the Lakers? The Lakers are seeking a center upgrade to bolster their frontcourt depth and defensive presence. Reuniting Davis with LeBron would also reignite the championship window that defined their 2020 title run. ## Sources & Citations - [Reporter's wild trade pitch to bring Anthony Davis back to Lakers](https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2026/06/19/reporters-wild-trade-pitch-to-bring-anthony-davis-back-to-lakers/90619122007/) — GNews.io (2026-06-19) --- Cite: Davis-to-Lakers blockbuster floated in three-team swap. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/reporter-s-wild-trade-pitch-to-bring-anthony-davis-back-to-l-84d035dd