The Los Angeles Lakers shockingly acquired Luka Doncic at an absolute discount in February, and one of the two draft picks came due as the Jazz selected John Tonje with the 53rd pick in the 2025 draft. LA also parted with Anthony Davis, Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 2029 first-round pick to make this stunning move. The heist just keeps getting better.
The Lakers acquired this pick from the Clippers in the trade to dump Patrick Beverley, and they had no qualms about giving it to Utah to make the Doncic trade math work. Finding a key piece in the second round is difficult and even harder in the 50s.
Luka’s first season with the Lakers ended in a disappointing first-round playoff exit, but Doncic is determined to change their fate. He is getting in the best shape of his life and ready to reach a new level. Number 77 pushed the Mavs to the NBA Finals in 2024 and will keep making this deal look better and better for LA.
Lakers' trade for Luka Doncic looks even better after draft pick finalized
Here are the full details of the Luka Doncic trade with the players selected in place of the draft picks that were part of this deal.
- Lakers received: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
- Mavericks received: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 1st round pick
- Jazz received: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jamir Watkins, John Tonje
Anthony Davis is an elite talent with a questionable injury history. He played just 51 games last season and was a big reason why Dallas missed the playoffs. The Mavs got a solid rotation player in Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, but that is not enough to justify trading one of the five best players in the world.
Nico Harrison targeted AD and did not open the deal up to other teams. Dallas won the lottery and drafted Cooper Flagg, but that won’t be enough to justify this disaster.
Luka Doncic is a five-time first-team All-NBA selection at 26 years old. He is arguably the best scorer and offensive engine in the world. There is no passing up a chance to acquire a player like that at a bargain. Rob Pelinka played his cards perfectly and got the Mavericks to part with Doncic for a laughably bad return.
The Lakers must sign Luka to an extension this summer, and there is significant pressure to build around him. Expect LA to acquire a center and add depth in hopes of creating a serious title challenger. Doncic has had the Thunder’s number in recent meetings. The Lakers could quickly become OKC’s biggest threat to a repeat.
Los Angeles Lakers fans still can’t believe Luka Doncic wound up in Hollywood. It seemed impossible that the Mavericks would trade him and even less likely to the Lakers. The trade shockingly happened. Luka is ready to be the Lakers' next all-time great, and supporters should be ecstatic. The future is bright in Los Angeles and this trade continues to get better.