Luka Doncic Traded to Lakers, Anthony Davis Joins Mavs in Stunning Deal

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Luka Doncic Traded to Lakers, Anthony Davis Joins Mavs in Stunning Deal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In a stunning NBA trade, Luka Doncic has been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, while Anthony Davis heads to the Dallas Mavericks in a three-team blockbuster deal. The move, kept completely secret, reshapes both franchises, pairing Doncic with LeBron James in L.A. and Davis with Kyrie Irving in Dallas.

Injured Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic smiles as he holds the game ball in a time out during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Doncic-Davis Blockbuster Trade: Quick Looks

Luka Doncic traded to Lakers, forming a superstar duo with LeBron James.
Anthony Davis heads to Dallas, pairing with Kyrie Irving.
Three-team deal also sends Maxi Kleber & Markieff Morris to L.A., Max Christie to Dallas, and Jalen Hood-Schifino & draft picks to Utah.
Mavs prioritize defense, believing Davis’ two-way dominance will fuel a title run.
Doncic’s father criticizes trade, calling it unfair to Luka.
Players and fans shocked, with some Mavs fans protesting the move.
Doncic loses eligibility for a $345M supermax contract extension but could sign a $230M deal with the Lakers.
NBA stars react, calling the trade “insane” and “unbelievable”.

Luka Doncic Traded to Lakers, Anthony Davis Joins Mavs in Stunning Deal

Doncic & Davis Trade: Deep Look

NBA’s Biggest Midseason Shake-Up

The NBA world was stunned as the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers pulled off one of the most unexpected blockbuster trades in recent history.

Doncic’s Emotional Goodbye to Dallas

The trade came as a shock to everyone—including Doncic himself. The five-time All-Star shared an emotional farewell message to Mavs fans:

“I thought I’d spend my career here. I wanted so badly to bring you a championship. The love and support you’ve given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of.”

Doncic’s father, Sasa Doncic, was furious, telling Slovenian TV:

“Luka absolutely did not deserve this. He really respected Dallas.”

How the Trade Was Pulled Off

The Lakers and Mavericks kept negotiations secret for a month, involving only a small inner circle. Even coaches and teammates were unaware until the deal was finalized.

Dallas GM Nico Harrison and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka handled discussions privately to avoid media leaks.

Lakers coach JJ Redick, a former teammate of Doncic, now gets to coach the young superstar in L.A.

Why the Lakers Made the Trade

The Lakers see Doncic as their future, especially with LeBron James nearing retirement.

Pelinka on Doncic:“Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come.”
LeBron James and Doncic form an elite pairing, combining high basketball IQs and playmaking ability.
The Lakers sacrifice defense with the loss of Davis, but gain one of the most dynamic offensive forces in the league.

Why the Mavs Made the Trade

Dallas shocked the NBA by trading a 25-year-old generational talent, but their logic centers around defense and championship experience.

GM Nico Harrison:“We believe defense wins championships, and we’re bringing in one of the best two-way players in the league.”
The Mavericks now boast a dominant defensive anchor in Davis, who can protect the rim and run the floor with Kyrie Irving.
Davis’ injury history is a concern, but Dallas is betting that his elite defense will keep them title contenders.

What Doncic Loses Financially

By being traded, Doncic loses the chance to sign a $345 million supermax contract this summer.

With the Lakers, he is now eligible for a five-year, $230 million deal—a $115 million difference.
It’s unclear if Dallas was ever fully committed to offering the supermax.

NBA Players React to the Shock Trade

Stars across the league were in disbelief when the news broke.

Devin Booker (Suns):“They said Luka. I said, ‘Luka Garza?’” (Referencing the Timberwolves player)
“I thought there was no way they’d trade him.”
Kevin Durant:“Insane. Would never have thought Luka Doncic would get traded. Midseason. The NBA is a wild place.”

What’s Next for Doncic & Davis?

Both stars are recovering from injuries, so it’s unclear when they will debut for their new teams.

Doncic (Lakers) & Davis (Mavs) could return within the next two weeks.
The Lakers face the Clippers next; Dallas plays at Cleveland.

NBA Trade Impact: Who Won the Deal?

Lakers Outlook:

Gained: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
Lost: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino, two second-round picks
Immediate Impact: Offensive firepower skyrockets but defensive drop-off is a concern.
Long-Term Outlook: Doncic is now the face of the franchise after LeBron retires.

Mavericks Outlook:

Gained: Anthony Davis, Max Christie
Lost: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
Immediate Impact: Elite defense improves, but can Davis stay healthy?
Long-Term Outlook: Title window is now, but Davis is 32 with an injury history.