The Los Angeles Lakers made a major move on Saturday night, agreeing to a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks that brings five-time All-Star Luka Dončić to Los Angeles. In exchange, the Lakers are sending former No. 1 draft pick Anthony Davis to Dallas.
The trade left NBA TV analysts Greg Anthony and Quentin Richardson in shock, calling it “hard to fathom.” Dončić, last season’s leading scorer and a runner-up in MVP voting, led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals, though they were defeated by the Boston Celtics in five games.
Since joining the NBA in 2018 after moving from Real Madrid, Dončić has made five All-Star appearances and shattered records previously held by legends like Tim Duncan, Jason Kidd, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan.
While the trade is still awaiting official confirmation, reports indicate that Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris will join Dončić in Los Angeles, while Max Christie heads to Dallas. The Lakers’ 2029 first-round draft pick also goes to the Mavericks, and the Utah Jazz will acquire guard Jalen Hood-Schifino as part of the salary cap adjustment.
Though Dončić has faced a frustrating 2024/25 season with several injuries—including calf, foot, wrist, knee, heel, and groin issues—he has still averaged nearly 36 minutes per game and 28.1 points.
Dončić is currently sidelined due to injury but is expected to return to action in early February.
As it stands, the Lakers are in fifth place in the Western Conference, trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder by 10 games and holding a three-game lead over the Mavericks, who are currently the eighth seed. Looking ahead to the playoffs, the Mavs and Lakers are both vying for strong positioning.
Dončić and Davis will face off against their former teammates on February 25 when Dallas visits Los Angeles.