Late Saturday night, it was announced that the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers agreed to one of the most groundbreaking trades in sports history; swapping Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis. This deal marks the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA players have been traded for each other mid-season. Here are the full trade details:
Yes, this is real. Sources tell ESPN: Full trade:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 2, 2025
- Lakers: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
- Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 LAL 1st
- Jazz: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Clippers 2nd, 2025 Mavericks 2nd https://t.co/bltojdTaQj
The trade was so shocking that Shams had to confirm that he hadn't been hacked. Several notable athletes, like Patrick Mahomes and Paul Pierce, took to social media to express their disbelief. Even the Portland Trail Blazers, who were playing a game when the trade was announced, couldn't believe the news:
The Blazers reaction to the Luka Doncic trade from the bench 😂
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 2, 2025
Shocked.pic.twitter.com/QjktX59klJ
David Aldridge might have put it best when calling this a "holy sh*t" trade. Or, Kevin O'Connell, who is still tweeting that he thinks this is all a dream.
The Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers is one of the most shocking ever.
The trade did not only shock the media, but it also shocked the players involved. Marc Stein reported that Luka never requested a trade, and the Mavericks pursued negotiations with the Lakers in secrecy. Even LeBron James, who has been labeled as the de facto general manager of the Lakers, was reportedly blindsided by the deal while at dinner with his family:
“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.”@ShamsCharania on the Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic trade between the Lakers and Mavericks pic.twitter.com/Hp4bL3UX2M
— ESPN (@espn) February 2, 2025
Shortly after the news broke, several other key details regarding the deal hit social media. It seems like the writing was on the wall for Luka and the Mavericks. According to reports, the Mavericks were motivated to move Luka due to ongoing conditioning and diet issues, which they believe have directly contributed to his constant injuries:
The Mavs had major concerns about moving forward with Luka Doncic due to his constant conditioning issues and the looming commitment of another supermax contract extension this summer, sources told ESPN.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 2, 2025
Although Doncic led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, Mavericks general manager, Nico Harrison, made blunt remarks about his decision on Saturday:
“I believe that defense wins championships,” Mavs GM Nico Harrison told ESPN regarding his motivation to trade Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. “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… https://t.co/iPfQvA4str
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 2, 2025
As a 10-time All-Star and five-time All-Defensive player, acquiring Antony Davis will be a perfect fit for Harrison's vision for the Mavericks. Although Luka Doncic is one of the most dominant offensive players in NBA history, his biggest weakness was always the defensive end. Although Nico Harrison didn't say it explicitly, it seems like the Mavericks were fed up with pleading Doncic to show effort on the defensive end.
Alongside Dereck Lively II and P.J. Washington, the Mavericks will have one of the most stout defensive frontcourts in the NBA. With Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson in the back court, the Mavericks are making a full push at raising the Larry O'Brien trophy sooner rather than later.
For the Lakers, this was a longevity move. Their future looked bleak with the impending retirement of LeBron James, and they needed to secure their next franchise player. Doncic will not only be a franchise mainstay for years to come, but his pairing with LeBron James will be one of the best exciting in NBA history.
With the Dallas Mavericks currently in 8th place in the West, and the Lakers in 5th, this trade will undoubtedly alter the Western Conference landscape. The Lakers and Mavericks will play each other twice more in the regular season - February 25 in Los Angeles, and April 9 in Dallas. Get your popcorn ready.
No matter what happens, this trade will go down as a generational blockbuster. For years to come, NBA Fans will be asking each other "where were you when Luka Doncic got traded to the Mavericks?"