The Dallas Mavericks have traded five-time All-NBA guard and reigning scoring champ Luka Dončić in an absolute stunner of a trade. Forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris are included in the package to the Lakers, as well.
In return, the Mavericks are receiving nine-time All-Star and NBA 75th Anniversary Team member Anthony Davis along with guard Max Christie and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round draft selection.
This trade was also a three team deal, as the Utah Jazz received guard Jalen Hood-Schifino from Los Angeles and two second round picks.
This trade sent shockwaves across the sports world, as Dončić was seen as untouchable by both fans and those in and around the association. The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a loss to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals where they were not at full strength, as Dončić was dealing with injuries, and his former co-star Kyrie Irving was not playing to standard.
Furthermore, Dončić is only 25 years old and has been putting up career numbers for some time now. It’s historically unprecedented to see a player who has led his team to postseason success and fought for his personal accolades traded before his 26th birthday.
This trade also sets the Lakers up for a post-Lebron James era while also setting the team up for success this season. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Lakers are the sixth-most favored team to win the NBA Finals this season since acquiring Dončić.
It will also be interesting to see what Dallas does with Davis, as his contract is set to expire after the 2026-2027 season. He has a player option for the 2027-2028 season, but should Dallas want to rebuild, they could trade Davis soon for young talent and draft compensation.
The Los Angeles Lakers are fifth place in the Western Conference with a record of 28-19. The Dallas Mavericks sit at eighth with a record of 26-23.
Anthony Davis is set to return to Crypto.com Arena to play the Lakers in just over three weeks Feb. 25.
Dončić, who has spent his entire career with Dallas, will walk into the American Airlines Center as a foe April 9.
Gage Wellman is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected] or @GageWellmanKSTV.