A significant trade has shaken the NBA, considered one of the most important and surprising transfers in the competition’s history. Luka Doncic will now play alongside LeBron James for the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Dallas Mavericks will receive Anthony Davis in a multi-player trade involving the Utah Jazz.
ESPN journalist Shams Charania revealed the news, stating that the agreement was made without the knowledge of key players involved. “LeBron James had no idea that this was going to happen. Anthony Davis had no idea that this was going to happen. They told me that Luka Doncic is still surprised by this exchange,” Charania said, citing reliable sources within the NBA.
The trade involves the following players and assets:
– The Lakers will receive Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris.
– The Mavericks will receive Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick in the 2029 draft from the Lakers.
– The Utah Jazz will receive Jalen Hood-Schifino, a second-round pick in the 2025 draft from the Clippers, and a second-round pick in 2025 from the Mavericks.
According to Charania, the Mavericks approached the Lakers with the offer of Luka Doncic. The Lakers agreed to negotiate, believing that the 25-year-old Doncic can be a long-term replacement for the 40-year-old LeBron James as the franchise player. Despite being injured since Christmas Day, Doncic is one of the most prominent figures in the NBA, averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game this season. He has been selected to the All-Star team five times and led the Mavericks to the NBA finals last season.
The Mavericks had concerns about continuing with Doncic due to his physical problems and the upcoming extension of his contract. The team’s general manager, Nico Harrison, stated that acquiring Anthony Davis, a dominant defensive player, gives them a better chance to win now and in the future. Davis, 31, is a highly skilled pivot who won a championship with the Lakers in 2020 and will now join a Mavericks team that includes players like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson.