Luka Doncic Traded to Lakers in Shock Move, Anthony Davis Heads to Mavericks in Blockbuster Deal
Doncic joins LeBron James in Los Angeles, while Davis teams up with Kyrie Irving in Dallas, reshaping both teams’ futures.
DALLAS — In an unprecedented NBA trade, Luka Doncic has been moved to the Los Angeles Lakers, while Anthony Davis heads to the Dallas Mavericks, in a deal that has rocked the basketball world.
The trade, which was secretly orchestrated over the course of a month, was officially announced early Sunday morning following league approval. In exchange for Doncic, the Lakers sent Davis to the Mavericks, along with a slew of additional players. Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris will join the Lakers, while Max Christie heads to Dallas. The Utah Jazz were also involved, receiving Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round pick from both teams.
"I thought I’d spend my career here, and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship,” Doncic said in a heartfelt farewell message to Mavs fans. "The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of."
This blockbuster move brings Doncic, who led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, to Los Angeles, where he will pair up with LeBron James as the Lakers’ new 1-2 punch. Meanwhile, Davis, a pivotal member of the Lakers’ 2020 championship team, will now form a dynamic duo with Kyrie Irving in Dallas.
The trade, kept under wraps by Mavericks GM Nico Harrison and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, caught many by surprise. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd described his initial reaction as "shock," though he later expressed optimism about the team’s future.
“It’s a transformative moment for the Lakers,” Pelinka said. “Luka is a once-in-a-generation talent who will lead this franchise for years to come. His drive to win championships will be a cornerstone for us."
While the trade may have shaken the NBA, there is also concern in Dallas over the decision to part ways with Doncic, one of the league’s brightest stars. Mavericks fans have expressed their disappointment, and protests were reported outside the team’s arena.
Harrison, however, defended the move, citing Davis’ exceptional two-way capabilities and his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. “Defense wins championships,” he said. “We believe this move sets us up to compete now and in the future."
Doncic, who has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists this season, is now ineligible to sign a supermax contract with Dallas this summer, potentially costing him around $115 million. Nevertheless, the Lakers will be able to offer him a five-year, $230 million extension.
Davis, averaging 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds this season, is a 10-time All-Star and a key figure in the Lakers’ championship run in 2020. The trade marks the beginning of a new era in both Los Angeles and Dallas, as the teams prepare to adjust to their new rosters.
The trade also sends a powerful message about the ever-changing landscape of the NBA, with stars like Doncic and Davis shifting teams in ways that seemed unimaginable just days ago. The full impact of the move will take time to unfold, but for now, both teams are focused on building for a championship future with their new, high-profile duos.