Mavericks trade Luka Doncic to Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis
Mavericks Trade Luka Doncic to Lakers for Anthony Davis in Landmark Three-Team Deal
In a monumental trade that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Dallas Mavericks have agreed to send superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis as part of a blockbuster three-team transaction.
The Lakers not only acquire Doncic but also gain Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks receive Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz are also involved, securing Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round pick via the Clippers. Dallas will send a 2025 second-round pick to the Jazz as part of the agreement.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison expressed optimism about the move, emphasizing the defensive edge Davis brings. “I believe defense wins championships,” Harrison told ESPN. “Getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset puts us in a strong position for both now and the future.”
Doncic, a five-time All-Star, will join LeBron James in Los Angeles. Despite James entering his 22nd NBA season, the Lakers reportedly see Doncic as a future face of the franchise.
Both stars are currently sidelined with injuries—Doncic due to a strained left calf and Davis with an abdominal strain. While Davis may return next week, Doncic is still awaiting re-evaluation.
Doncic, 25, has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in 22 games this season. Selected third overall in the 2018 draft by Atlanta and traded to Dallas for Trae Young, he has spent his entire seven-year career with the Mavericks.
Davis, 31, boasts impressive averages of 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.1 blocks in 42 games this season. A 10-time All-Star and five-time All-Defensive selection, Davis remains one of the league’s top two-way players.
As for Kleber and Morris, both have had limited roles this season, while rookie Hood-Schifino has averaged 2.0 points in two appearances.
Following the trade, the Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference at 28-19, with the Mavericks in eighth place at 26-23.
