Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Julius Randle, G Derrick Rose, 2023 First-Round Pick (DAL)

New York Knicks Receive: F/C Anthony Davis

This feels like the simplest route to land Anthony Davis in New York. It might be the best one for both sides.

This trade gives the Los Angeles Lakers some much-needed flexibility. It puts them in a better position to either give Russell Westbrook another try or let him walk.

If they choose the former route, Randle should be a better fit for Westbrook than Davis. While his three-point shooting regressed in its own right in 2021-22, it’s unlikely to ever dip to 18.6%.

Meanwhile, this deal lands the Lakers a Westbrook replacement in Derrick Rose. He’s established himself as an excellent floor-spacer as he ages. He should be a snug fit alongside LeBron James.

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While this trade solves problems for both teams, it’s not necessarily perfect. If they’re dealing Davis, the Lakers may want a surer fit alongside Westbrook in exchange for their superstar big man.

In adding a third team, these two teams may be able to facilitate that.