“I think we need another big”: Anthony Davis reveals how his genuine ask for roster change led to NBA shocker trade involving Luka Doncic in 2025

Anthony Davis got up to roughly 268 pounds in his last year with the Lakers, and the extra weight explains the request Davis made for another big man. The NBA champion told the Wizards' Numbers on the Board podcast that the added pounds left him feeling "heavy."Playing center against Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic at that size wore Davis down, and cutting weight midseason did not fix it. The Lakers never added a second big. Instead, they traded Davis to Dallas for Luka Doncic.Why Anthony Davis asked the Lakers for another big manThe ask came two weeks before the 2025 trade deadline. Anthony Davis told ESPN's Shams Charania that the Lakers needed a center to become real title contenders. The big man also wanted to go back to playing the four, the spot where the game fits best. "I think we need another big," Davis said.On the Wizards' Numbers on the Board podcast, Davis explained that usually played at 250 or 255 pounds. In his last year in Los Angeles, the scale climbed to 265 and maybe 268.The strength work was meant to prepare Davis for life at center, where natural centers like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic were beating Davis up night after night. Davis did not feel right in that body. "Bro, I can't play like this. I feel heavy," Davis said.Davis tried to cut weight during the season, but dropping pounds while still guarding centers every night was tough. He later sent a request to the front office. Nothing came of it. The Lakers did chase center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, but the trade was rescinded.The big request turned to a NBA shocker tradeThe Lakers answered with a trade nobody saw coming. Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick went to the Mavericks for Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. ESPN's Charania posted the deal, which also pulled in Utah. Jalen Hood-Schifino went to the Jazz to balance the money. Plenty of fans still call it the most shocking trade in NBA history.The weight problem traveled to Dallas. In the fall of 2025, Davis reported to Mavericks camp at 268 pounds, and fans got nervous. Further, an early calf strain limited him. Once the weight came off, the usual two-way game returned. In December, Davis put up 32 points and 13 rebounds against Jokic and the Nuggets.Davis has since been traded again, this time to Washington. The Wizards have Alex Sarr, Deandre Ayton, and Tristan Vukcevic, all able to play center, so the Wizards forward gets the starting power forward job he asked for in 2025. Playing alongside another big man, Davis said, is "a different, you know, ball game for me."This year, it will be interesting to see Davis’ play in the Wizards.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.