Lakers Acquire Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis in Blockbuster Trade
The Deal
The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning trade Saturday night, sending center Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in a three-team deal for star guard Luka Doncic to set up the organization for its post-LeBron James era with one of the NBA’s best young players.
The Trade Details
The Lakers sent Davis, young guard Max Christie, and their 2029 first-round draft pick to Dallas for Doncic and forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. The Lakers also sent second-year guard Jalen Hood-Schifino to the Utah Jazz, who got second-round picks from the Lakers (their 2025 pick from the Clippers) and Mavericks to facilitate the trade.
The Reaction
According to one Laker not authorized to speak publicly, the trade was a complete shock to the players and came after one of their best wins of the season. According to people with knowledge of the trade talks not authorized to discuss the deal, it occurred without the knowledge any of players, including James, and was done almost completely between general managers Rob Pelinka of the Lakers and Nico Harrison, who joined the Mavericks after being a longtime Nike executive.
The Impact on the Lakers
The Lakers have acquired one of the premier on-ball players in the world in Doncic, a five-time All-Star, a five-time All-NBA player who led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals a season ago. He’s averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists this season and is recovering from a calf injury that’s kept him out since Christmas. He’s expected back before the All-Star break.
The Future of LeBron James
Questions about the future of James, who holds a no-trade clause and can opt out of a $52.6-million player option and become a free agent after this season, are being asked by executives on rival teams. In Doncic, the Lakers have acquired a player who can help them chart their future after James.
The Mavericks’ Perspective
Davis, an NBA champion with the Lakers in 2020 and in the middle of another All-Star season, rejoins an assistant from that championship team in Mavericks coach Jason Kidd and, like Pelinka, has extensive ties with Harrison through Nike. Davis joins a Mavericks team that has Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and an emerging two-way player in Christie, who has played the best basketball of his career.
Conclusion
The Lakers have made a bold move to acquire one of the best young players in the league, setting them up for a bright future. The trade will have a significant impact on the team’s roster and chemistry, and it will be interesting to see how the players adapt to their new teammates.
FAQs
* What did the Lakers give up in the trade?
The Lakers sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and their 2029 first-round draft pick to the Mavericks.
* What did the Lakers get in the trade?
The Lakers acquired Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris from the Mavericks.
* What is the impact of the trade on the Lakers’ future?
The trade sets the Lakers up for a bright future with one of the best young players in the league, Luka Doncic.
* What is the future of LeBron James with the Lakers?
James’ future with the Lakers is uncertain, as he holds a no-trade clause and can opt out of his contract after this season.
