In one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, the Dallas Mavericks announced on Sunday that they have acquired 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for guard Luka Doncic, forward/center Maxi Kleber, and forward/center Markieff Morris to the Lakers.
As part of the three-team deal, the Utah Jazz acquired guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round pick from Los Angeles and Dallas.
Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka believes Doncic will lead the franchise for a long time.
“Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come,” Pelinka said in a press release. “His killer instincts and commitment to winning championships will be a driving force for the team. We will be relentless in building a roster around the on-court vision Coach Redick has for this basketball team and there is an unwavering commitment to that work to serve our loyal and dedicated fans. We are grateful for today and look forward to what’s next.”
Mavs GM Nico Harrison says he excited to add Davis to the fold.
“We are thankful for Luka and grateful for his efforts during his time with us,” Harrison said. “He helped build this team and was an integral part of the success we’ve seen throughout the years, including our recent NBA Finals run, along with Maxi and Markieff, who are veteran voices equally valued across this team. This is a new chapter, and we are excited to welcome Anthony and Max to the fold. AD is an experienced veteran, who can play both ends of the floor while helping elevate us defensively. He knows first-hand what it takes to win, and I know he’s motivated to be a part of what we’re building in Dallas.”
In 42 games for Los Angeles this season, Davis averaged 25.7 points (.528 FG%, .788 FT%), 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.1 blocks.
The 31-year-old was a member of the Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship team that featured Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd as an assistant coach. The 2017 NBA All-Star Game MVP and member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team has also won two gold medals as a member of the U.S. Olympic Team (2012, 2024).
The 25-year-old Doncic, currently out with a calf injury, is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists. He garnered five All-Star and First-Team All-NBA selections with Dallas (2020-24).
This is a shocking move on many levels. Doncic led the Mavs to the Finals last season, and before he got injured, Dallas was playing decent basketball.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Mavs had major concerns about moving forward with Doncic due to his constant conditioning issues and the looming commitment of another supermax contract extension this summer.
When healthy, Davis can play at an elite level. Without Doncic, Kyrie Irving would assume ball-handling duties for the team. It will be the Irving-Davis show, and we’ll see if it works.
You wonder why Dallas did not shop around to see if they could get a better offer for Doncic. Maybe the organization felt Davis is the perfect fit and player.
Regarding the Lakers, it should be interesting what the LeBron James and Doncic combination looks like. Both are ball-dominant players, so how it looks on the court.
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