Luka Dončić is being traded by the reigning Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, a person with knowledge of the agreement said early Sunday.
Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris are headed to the Lakers, while Davis and Max Christie are going to Dallas, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither team can announce the deal while it awaits league approval.
The Utah Jazz are also involved in the deal, said the source. ESPN, which first reported the trade, said Jalen Hood-Schifino and two draft picks will be headed to the Jazz. The Dallas Morning News also reported those details on the trade.
It is an absolute blockbuster, with Doncic set to join LeBron James in Los Angeles, and Davis now headed to Dallas to partner with Kyrie Irving.
“I believe that defense wins championships,” Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN. “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”
Why did the trade take place?
The Mavericks could have signed the 25-year-old Dončić to a super-max contract worth $350 million over the next five years. Notably, Dončić is a worldwide superstar. He scored 73 points on January 26, 2024 against the Atlanta Hawks in State Farm Arena. Yes, Luka has captivating performances. Yes, Dončić has the ability to produce awe-inspiring moments. However, the Mavericks had questions regarding Dončić’s commitment to being in shape and playing defense. The trade to the Lakers and Dončić joining LeBron James may inspire Dončić to take better care of his body.
Conversely, Anthony Davis is reunited with Jason Kidd. Kidd was an assistant head coach with the Lakers when Los Angeles won their most recent championship in 2020. Davis did not like playing the center position for the Lakers, believing power forward is his best position. Now, Davis will play power forward as Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford are the big men for the Mavericks.
The Mavericks will face off against the Lakers on Feb. 25 in Los Angeles and April 9th in Dallas.
Additional reporting by The Associated Press.
