Since the Los Angeles Lakers traded Anthony Davis away for Luka Doncic last season, they have been looking for a viable solution at the center spot.
They attempted to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets last year, but that trade fell through because Williams failed his physical. That led to LA putting a band-aid on the position this season, as they signed DeAndre Ayton to a two-year deal and brought back Jaxson Hayes.
Those two had their moments this year, but it was very clear that the center position was a weak point for this Lakers team. They are now in the market once again for big man help, but one dream scenario can be ruled out.
LA’s dream of re-acquiring Davis this summer is likely dead
Davis is now on the Washington Wizards, as the Dallas Mavericks traded him there at this season’s trade deadline. Davis has yet to suit up for the Wizards, as he has battled a laundry list of injury issues.
Washington finally got lucky in the lottery and landed the first overall pick in this year’s draft. With the win-now moves they made last season to acquire Trae Young and Anthony Davis, the Wizards look primed to compete in the East next season, making a Davis move unlikely at this juncture.
Davis’ long-term future in Washington is very murky, as he has been candid about his desire to win a championship, but is questioning whether or not that can be with the Wizards. It has led to Davis being in offseason trade rumors once again, and with his market value being so low, the Lakers are viewed as an obvious landing spot. That doesn’t look as realistic now, given that Washington views Davis as an important piece for next year.
If Davis makes things difficult for the organization, such as requesting a trade or refusing to show up for offseason activities or training camp, that may force the Wizards’ hand. After all, the NBA is a player-driven league.
Until then, it looks like LA can stop their dream of acquiring Davis. There are other realistic and honestly, better avenues to pursue for their frontcourt, given Davis’ injury history and want for a large contract extension. Checking in on players like Jarrett Allen, P.J. Washington, Mitchell Robinson, and others could be something the Lakers do. Either way, they have to address their lack of frontcourt once and for all this summer.
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