Utah Jazz Receive: F/C Anthony Davis
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Rudy Gobert, 2026 lottery-protected first-round pick
Aside from the Los Angeles Lakers, the Utah Jazz may be the Western Conference team most in danger of an implosion. Rumors of a schism between Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell grow louder with every loss and every time Mitchell looks off his center on a post-up in favor of a contested jumper.
Now, the Jazz may be in danger of dropping their first-round series against a Dallas Mavericks team missing All-NBA superstar Luka Doncic. Even if the Jazz scraps their way into the second round, it’s hard to see a future where the Donovan Mitchell-Rudy Gobert tandem wins a championship together.
Unless the Jazz can win a title this postseason — highly unlikely — or Mitchell and Gobert work out their differences — even less likely — it’s probably best for all parties involved that they reset their core. This trade offers the Jazz a way to move on from Rudy Gobert and stay in the championship conversation.
Davis gives Mitchell and the Jazz a big man that he can trust to create offense on the block and with his back to the basket. Davis might be one of the only few big men in the league who can replicate the Stifle Tower’s defensive impact, but is much better suited to be the second option on the other end of the court.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Why Los Angeles Lakers Should Explore Anthony Davis Trade
The Los Angeles Lakers, here, would grab one of the best defensive players in NBA history, someone who can singlehandedly transform them into one of the top defenses in the league. They’ll also be getting a more reliable and available player, as Gobert has only missed 22 games for the Jazz in the last four regular seasons.
In comparison, Davis has been sidelined for 114 contests in that same period. While Gobert doesn’t offer the offensive repertoire that Davis does, his reliability, defensive impact, and at-rim finishing should provide a better third wheel for LeBron and Westbrook than Anthony Davis — especially when Davis is in street clothes.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Why Los Angeles Lakers Should Explore Anthony Davis Trade
Since the Lakers are trading the more talented player, they’ll receive a lottery-protected first-round pick from the Jazz, which can either be used outright or in another move in the future.
