In a stunning midseason shake-up, Luka Dončić is now a Los Angeles Laker, while Anthony Davis has been traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster deal that has sent shockwaves through the NBA. The trade, finalized and approved by the league on Sunday morning, also involves the Utah Jazz.
The Lakers acquire Dončić along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, forming a formidable duo with LeBron James. In exchange, the Mavericks receive Davis and Max Christie, aiming to bolster their squad alongside Kyrie Irving. Additionally, the Utah Jazz land Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round draft picks—one from the Lakers and one from the Mavericks.
This trade comes at a significant cost for Dončić, who will no longer be eligible for a five-year supermax extension worth approximately $345 million this summer. Instead, the Lakers can only offer him a five-year deal worth about $230 million, creating a $115 million difference. However, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison suggested that Dallas wanted to avoid a tumultuous summer, knowing teams were preparing for Dončić’s potential free agency in 2026.
Dončić, who has been sidelined since Christmas due to a left calf strain, is expected to join the Lakers once medically cleared. Davis, meanwhile, was absent from the Lakers’ recent victory over the Knicks due to an abdominal injury and will report to Dallas upon recovery.
The news sparked widespread disbelief across the league. Suns star Devin Booker, upon hearing of the trade during a game, initially thought it was a joke, while Kevin Durant called it “insane.” Social media reactions poured in, with Patrick Mahomes, Tristan Thompson, and Jalen Brunson among those expressing shock.
Dončić, a three-time MVP finalist, has averaged 28.6 points per game over his career, trailing only Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain among players with at least 400 games. His standout performances, including a 73-point game in January 2024, make him one of the most dynamic players in the league. Davis, a 10-time All-Star and 2020 NBA champion, remains one of the league’s most dominant big men, averaging 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds this season.
Both players are currently recovering from injuries, and it remains unclear when they will debut for their new teams. The Mavericks face the Cavaliers on Sunday, while the Lakers return to action Tuesday against the Clippers.
Source: Swifteradio.com
