Mavericks trade Doncic to Lakers for Davis in stunning, blockbuster deal

In one of the most stunning trades in NBA history, the Dallas Mavericks are sending superstar Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania on Saturday night.

The shocking trade, which also includes the Utah Jazz, swaps out Davis for Doncic as LeBron James’ co-star, though Doncic is currently out with a calf injury. He has made five straight All-NBA first teams at just 25 years old. Faced with the potential of being without the 40-year-old James soon, the Lakers now have another superstar – a young one - to build around for the future.

Dallas moves on from a player that was beloved that fans never expected to leave. Davis is a nine-time All-Star but has dealt with various injuries throughout his 13-year career and has played more than 65 games just once in the past seven seasons.

According to Charania, the Mavericks approached the Lakers recently and offered Doncic. Lakers brass met and believed Doncic could be the face of their franchise for the next decade while giving Davis a win-now move in Dallas.

"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.”

The Jazz will receive Lakers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino as well as 2025 second-round picks from the Los Angeles Clippers and Mavericks.

Doncic could’ve signed a five-year supermax extension worth over $345 million this offseason, but the Mavericks had major concerns about moving forward with him due to his constant conditioning issues, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

Although Davis appeared in 76 games last season, he has met the 65-game NBA award requirement just once in the last seven seasons. Davis has played in 42 of the Lakers’ 47 games this season and is currently sidelined with an abdominal injury.

Dallas plays at Cleveland on Sunday, while the Lakers are off until visiting the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. It's not clear when Doncic or Davis could play for their new clubs: the trade needs NBA approval, and both are dealing with injuries without any publicly known firm timetable for their returns.

Doncic, who hasn’t played since Christmas Day, has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists in 22 games this season.