In the early 2000s, the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs were the cream of the crop in the NBA. The two organizations were the definition of winning within the league and they had plenty of playoff battles.
Since then, both sides have seen mixed results. Both teams have only won the title once since the end of the 2010 season.
San Antonio won in 2014 while the Lakers claimed the championship in 2020.
The two franchises have seen better days but they are still linked by their success together. Where things currently stand, the Lakers are closer to their title aspirations due to their star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
But the Spurs have second-year sensation Victor Wembanyama to work with. Many see him as the next face of the NBA but he will need help to see San Antonio rise in contention ranks.
The Lakers have been trying to fix their issues around their two stars but there is a chance that they finally give up on it all. If this were to happen, something drastic could happen such as Los Angeles moving its stars.
While it's unlikely for this to take place, we can never count anything out in the wild world of the NBA. In a new blockbuster trade proposal by Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World, the Lakers move Davis to the Spurs, giving Wembanyama a legitimate star to play alongside.
Here is what the deal looks like:
Spurs receive: Forward Anthony Davis, guard D'Angelo Russell, center Christian Wood, and guard Jalen Hood-Schifino
Lakers receive: guard Devin Vassell, center Zach Collins, guard Keldon Johnson, forward Malaki Branham, a 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL), a 2026 First-Round Pick (SAS), a 2027 First-Round Pick (ATL), and a 2029 First-Round Pick (SAS)
The Spurs could get a lethal duo of Davis and Wembanyama in the frontcourt. This duo could put legitimate fear into opposing teams and give San Antonio a formidable star duo to contend.
Davis could teach Wembanyama how to win, and the two would make scoring tough on any team. With this one move, San Antonio would be right back into title contention.
If this deal were to take place, the Lakers would completely replenish their draft capital and give them strong ammo for another deal down the line. Los Angeles would be waving the white flag by moving Davis and it would likely see them move James too.
The players that the Lakers would gain could help usher in a new era of basketball for the historic organization. It would be a move that goes against their normal line of thinking but it could be for the best long-term.
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This story was originally published December 7, 2024, 2:28 PM.