The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off the stunning trade to acquire Luka Doncic on Saturday night. This move came out of nowhere and many of the parties involved were shocked. It is not often a team trades a 25-year-old superstar who is on pace to be an inner circle Hall of Famer, but the Lakers were happy to take advantage.
LeBron was caught off guard by the trade. He has long admired Luka and wanted to sign him to his own brand when Doncic was a sneaker free agency. That did not happen, but now the five-time All-Star is the heir apparent to the king’s throne in LA.
Davis had no idea he was about to be traded. The nine-time All-Star helped the Lakers win a championship in 2020 and was the target for Dallas. The Mavericks did not shop Doncic. They wanted AD, and here is the latest on how Davis took the trade.
Anthony Davis excited about joining Mavericks in blockbuster trade
Chris Haynes gave fans an update after the deal went down. He noted Davis was initially caught off guard, but it quickly turned into good feelings. He has a long relationship with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who was his rep at Nike. Davis joins the reigning Western Conference champions and arguably becomes the face of their franchise with Kyrie Irving.
Sources: On Mavericks initiating talks with Lakers and why a Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis trade was pulled off. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/k07Dhd2bvu
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 2, 2025
Shams Charania notes that Dallas approached the Lakers about this deal and completely blindsided Luka. Harrison wanted a defensive anchor to chase a championship in 2025. He believes Davis gives him that piece and was willing to part with his superstar to make the move.
The Lakers have a 25-year-old to lead their franchise for the next decade-plus. Doncic is already a five-time All-Star with five first-team All-NBA appearances. This move was a no-brainer for the Lakers. They always want the next marquee name and found their man on Saturday night. Doncic is currently dealing with a calf injury but is expected to return before the All-Star break.
Anthony Davis has plenty to be excited about. Beyond the Mavericks' success last season, AD can play the four and will be their building block. Harrison staked his job on this trade. Davis is now their best and most important player. That should have him feeling fantastic about coming to Dallas.
The Los Angeles Lakers are in a difficult spot with holes to fill in the short term, but they got one of the best players in the NBA. Fans should be pumped about Luka Doncic joining the franchise. JJ Redick knows him well, and the Lakers are in a stronger position for years to come. This was a blockbuster and one that should have fans pumped. A new era is just beginning for the Lakers.
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