Lakers Land Luka Dončić in Blockbuster Trade, Sending Anthony Davis to Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic drives against Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. Photo courtesy of AP Photo/LM Otero.
The NBA saw one of its biggest trades in recent history as the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis. The deal, finalized on Feb. 2, 2025, also included additional players and draft picks, as reported by NBA.com. The Lakers received Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks acquired Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick. The Utah Jazz were brought in to help facilitate the deal, receiving Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round draft picks.
The trade marked the first time in NBA history that two All-NBA players were exchanged midseason, according to ESPN. It signaled a major shift for both franchises, with the Lakers betting on Dončić to carry the team into a post-LeBron James era and the Mavericks hoping Davis would provide the defensive presence they needed to make a deep playoff run.
Dončić made an immediate impact in Los Angeles, debuting on February 10 in a 132-113 victory over the Utah Jazz. While he finished with a modest 14 points, his ability to orchestrate the Lakers' offense was evident. Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised Dončić’s vision and adaptability, noting that the team is still working on integrating him into their system. His arrival has created excitement among Lakers fans, who see him as the next franchise cornerstone.
Davis, meanwhile, made a strong debut for the Mavericks, posting 26 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists in a 116-105 win over the Houston Rockets. His defensive presence was immediately felt, adding much-needed rim protection and rebounding alongside Kyrie Irving. However, the excitement was short-lived. Davis suffered a left adductor strain late in the game and is now expected to miss several weeks, according to The Athletic. The injury has raised concerns in Dallas, as the 31-year-old Davis has struggled with injuries throughout his career.
The reaction to the trade has been polarizing, especially in Dallas, where Dončić had been the face of the franchise since 2018. Many fans were outraged by the decision to trade him, blaming the front office for failing to build a strong enough supporting cast. The backlash escalated to the point where Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison received death threats, prompting increased security at Mavericks home games, according to CBS Sports.
While the trade sparked controversy in Dallas, Los Angeles quickly embraced Dončić, both on and off the court. In response to the devastating Palisades Fire, which destroyed hundreds of homes—including that of Lakers head coach J.J. Redick—Dončić donated $500,000 to support relief efforts, per Los Angeles Times.
As both teams adjust to their new stars, the impact of this trade will be closely watched. The Lakers hope Dončić can lead them into a new era of title contention, while the Mavericks are banking on Davis to help them compete immediately. Whether the gamble pays off remains to be seen.
