On Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers made a huge splash by agreeing to a blockbuster trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. The Lakers have acquired Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
For the Lakers, this move came after Anthony Davis had been pushing for the team to strengthen their roster, particularly by adding a center. However, the deal didn’t come without a cost. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that in exchange for Doncic and the others, the Lakers are sending Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick to Dallas.
BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, sources tell @ShamsCharania. Three-team deal that includes Utah. pic.twitter.com/joU6bXqnBJ
— ESPN (@espn) February 2, 2025
“This deal materialized in the shadows. LeBron James had no idea this was coming. Anthony Davis had no idea this was coming. I’m told Luka Doncic is still stunned about this trade,” Charania said on ESPN NBA.
The trade also involves the Utah Jazz as a third team. Many couldn’t believe the news and initially thought it was fake. There was an outcry from Mavericks fans, particularly those who felt frustrated by the loss of Doncic, especially considering his pivotal role in helping the Mavs reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011.
ITS FAKE, RIGHT????
— Ballsack Sports (@BallsackSports) February 2, 2025
SOMEONE CONFIRM SHAMS’ REPORT SO WE KNOW HES NOT HACKED pic.twitter.com/5vMBsprsdg
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) February 2, 2025
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Mavs trade their star player in his prime after just having gone to the NBA finals for a dude past his prime. The only explanation is some sort of issue between Kyrie and Luka
— Tony Acosta (@tonyacostaco) February 2, 2025
This is the most unexpected and greatest trade in the nba of all time
— zinzy°🧊 (@itz_zinzy) February 2, 2025
How do you trade the best player in the league at 25 years old… for one first and a fossil
— Matthew (@YankeesClipper) February 2, 2025
Dallas GM Speaks On Acquiring Anthony Davis After Giving Up Luka Doncic
Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison spoke with ESPN about the team’s decision to trade for Anthony Davis. Harrison stated the importance of defense in winning championships and expressed his confidence in the move.
“I believe that defense wins championships. I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future,” Harrison said.
The trade comes as Luka Doncic has only played 22 games so far. This may have contributed to the Mavericks’ decision to part ways with the superstar. However, the Mavericks should not forget that Doncic was averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game when healthy. Meanwhile, Davis is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
