The announced deal sends tremors across the NBA as two of the league’s best players switch teams.
In a trade deal so shocking that onlookers wondered if his social media was compromised, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that the Mavericks have consented to send perennial Kia NBA MVP contender Luka Dončić to the Lakers in return for 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, backup guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft choice.
Several sources verified the news as the NBA’s media machinery stirred on what had been an otherwise unremarkable Saturday night. The three-team trade, wherein Los Angeles obtains seasoned forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, is said to additionally involve Utah.
Los Angeles Lakers receive:
Luka Dončić
Maxi Kleber
Markieff Morris
Dallas Mavericks receive:
Anthony Davis
Max Christie
2029 first-round selection
Utah Jazz acquire:
Jalen Hood-Schifino
2025 second-round selection
2025 second-round selection (through Clippers)
Mavericks GM Nico Harris pointed out Davis’ defensive abilities, stating to ESPN that his talents in that area “provide us a greater opportunity” to succeed. Renowned primarily for his scoring ability, the 6-foot-8 Dončić — who topped the NBA in points last season at 33.9 per
Dončić, 25, has emerged as one of the most effective players in NBA history since joining in 2018. In four of the last five seasons, he has ranked no lower than sixth in Kia MVP voting, accumulating career averages of 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists.
Collaborating with eight-time All-Star Kyrie Irving, Dončić guided Dallas to last year’s Finals, marking its first championship round appearance since the Mavericks secured the title in 2011.
Davis, 31, took a comparable route, achieving ten years of All-Star selections as one of the top players of his time, while guiding the Lakers to victory in the 2019-20 NBA championship. He’s on track for the 10th season of his career with 20 points and 10 rebounds, boasting current averages of 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds.
Davis and LeBron James had been advocating publicly for the Lakers to obtain a center to partner with the Kentucky player in the frontcourt. The announcement that he was being transferred instead — for a player who had appeared almost invulnerable, no less — created shock waves across the league as news circulated.
That seemingly included James himself, who, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, had not been informed of the trade.
At the time reports of the trade started circulating, one game was still in progress: Phoenix-Portland. Suns guard Devin Booker mentioned that a spectator in the crowd informed him and his teammates about the trade.
“They mentioned Luka.” I asked, ‘Luka Garza?’” Booker mentioned, pointing to a center in Minnesota.
Booker did not intend to be amusing. He simply believed what many likely believed — that there was no chance the Mavericks would trade Dončić.
“That’s wild, dude.” “I honestly have no idea what to comment on it,” Booker stated. “Luka is a player that everyone has deemed untouchable and untradeable.” The NBA presents to you once more. Unable to foresee. It’s an enterprise. They constantly talk about you. “Thus, don’t assume you’re more secure than you truly are.”
Fellow Suns star Kevin Durant added: “Crazy.” It’s insane. Insane. Wow, I would have never imagined Luka Dončić getting traded. At his age, during the season, the NBA is a crazy environment, man.
“If he can be traded, then everyone is available.”
