Since joining the team, Luka Doncic has poured his heart and soul into the Dallas Mavericks. The Slovenian sensation was pivotal in leading the franchise to its first NBA Finals appearance since 2011. Despite battling injuries throughout this season, Doncic likely never imagined the team would shock the basketball world by trading him.
Mavericks fans still struggle to accept the shocking decision to trade Doncic in exchange for Anthony Davis. What made the trade even more surprising was that it was Dallas, not Los Angeles, that initiated the deal. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Mavericks reached out to the Lakers with the offer.
“The Mavericks approached the Lakers recently and offered Luka Doncic, sources tell ESPN. Lakers brass met and believed the 25-year-old Doncic has the ability to be the face of their franchise for the next decade while giving Anthony Davis a win-now move in Dallas,” Charania posted on X.
The Mavericks approached the Lakers recently and offered Luka Doncic, sources tell ESPN. Lakers brass met and believed the 25-year-old Doncic has the ability to be the face of their franchise for the next decade while giving Anthony Davis a win-now move in Dallas.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 2, 2025
The blockbuster trade wasn’t just a straight swap between Doncic and Davis. The Lakers also received Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris as part of the deal, while the Mavericks acquired Max Christie alongside Davis.
Mavs No Longer Believe In Luka Doncic As Their Path To A Championship
The Mavericks no longer saw Luka Doncic as the centerpiece of their future. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the Mavericks believed they couldn’t win with Doncic despite his commitment to the team.
“Mavs are saying they don’t think they can win with him. Luka was locked into Mavs. And it’s the Mavs who are pulling the plug. Only 1 bidder as far as we know. They didn’t even get the entire package from the Lakers. The Lakers are still holding a 1st-round pick. LeBron has dreamed of this,” Windhorst said.
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With the trade, Doncic’s six-and-a-half-season journey with the Mavericks ended. The 25-year-old star leaves Dallas with an eye-catching resume, including five All-Star selections, five First-Team All-NBA honors, and an NBA Rookie of the Year award.
