Shock NBA trade: Luka Doncic heads to Lakers, Davis to Mavs
Luka Doncic is moving from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. The trade caught everyone off guard, including the players themselves.
The swap of Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis in the NBA has been a significant surprise. American media emphasize that it's been a long time since there was such a spectacular trade between clubs.
The transaction was announced right after the Los Angeles Lakers game against the New York Knicks, in which LeBron James led the Lakers to a 128-112 victory, recording an impressive triple-double. Davis was absent from the Lakers' lineup due to an abdominal injury.
After the game, James emphasized the need for a more team-focused approach in Anthony Davis's absence. The trade involving Doncic and Davis was unexpected, not only for the Lakers organization but also for the players. The Los Angeles Times reported that the transaction surprised everyone in the Lakers' locker room.
Secret negotiations in the NBA
ESPN reporter Shams Charania revealed that the deal was negotiated in secret.
LeBron James had no suspicions, Anthony Davis neither, and I was told that Luka Doncic is still in shock, Charania stated.
Twenty-five-year-old Doncic, drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2018, went straight to the Dallas Mavericks. Last season, he led them to the finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics. In the current season, he averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game but often struggled with injuries.
Details of the agreement
Six years older, Davis joined the Lakers in 2019, winning a championship with them in 2020. In the current season, he averaged 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
According to ESPN, the deal also includes the transfer of German center Max Christie to Dallas and a first-round draft pick in 2029, while Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris will join the California team.
The trade of Doncic for Davis is one of the most surprising events in the NBA in recent years. As the Polish Press Agency reported, the transaction came as a complete surprise to all parties.
