In the single most stunning and shocking trade in NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers have traded away Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic.
As first broken out by ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, the Lakers are sending away Davis, Max Christie, and their 2029 1st round pick to the Mavericks in exchange for Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. The Utah Jazz swooped in as a third team in the blockbuster mega deal, securing the Lakers’ Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2025 Clippers 2nd round pick, and a 2025 Mavericks 2nd round pick.
ANALYSIS: The move brought shockwaves to the entire NBA world, drawing several reactions from players and media alike.
There has never been a trade of this magnitude, with a generational offensive talent being traded out in his prime. Doncic, who is just 25 years old, has made 5 All-NBA first teams and has been arguably a top 5 player in the league for the past 2 seasons.
What’s even more surprising is this came out of the blue without anyone knowing except the Lakers and the Mavericks’ front offices. There have been reports of the Mavericks’ concern of Luka’s conditioning and his impending supermax extension worth $345 million. Dallas GM Nico Harrison has also stated “defense wins championships” and that they believe that the 31-year-old Davis who is a defensive caliber player and an all-star will lead them and establish their identity as a defensive team. The Mavericks clearly made this move in a win-now scenario as they believe Davis, star Kyrie Irving along with their role players can help the team win a title despite giving up a superstar of Doncic’s caliber.
For the Lakers, this is a move to shore up their future for the impending retirement of LeBron James. The now 40-year-old superstar, despite still playing at a high level, is nearing his retirement, and snagging a superstar like Doncic in his prime was too good to pass up. LA will now have another superstar next in line to carry the torch for the legendary franchise, which saw Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and James to bear the gold and purple threads.