When the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, it took the sports world by surprise. It was announced on Saturday evening. Jeff Kolb of FOX 4 expressed his response.
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The Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Don i to the Los Angeles Lakers.
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The Mavs will receive a package including Anthony Davis in return.
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Dallas was reportedly concerned about Don i ‘s conditioning and upcoming contract.
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The Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Don i to the Los Angeles Lakers.
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The Mavs will receive a package including Anthony Davis in return.
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Dallas was reportedly concerned about Don i ‘s conditioning and upcoming contract.
DALLAS—In one of the most significant moves in recent NBA history, the Dallas Mavericks sent superstar Luka Don to the Los Angeles Lakers.
In a package that also includes former All-Star Anthony Davis, Don I will travel to Los Angeles.
Late Saturday night saw the initial reports of the startling three-team pact.
The agreement was confirmed in a news release issued by the Mavericks on Sunday morning.
Luka Don i trade
DALLAS, TX – JANUARY 7: On January 7, 2025, Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks warms up at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, prior to the team’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. A NOTE TO THE USER: The user clearly understands and consents that, by dow
The complete exchange is as follows:
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Dallas Mavericks receive:
Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 LA Lakers first-round pick
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Los Angeles Lakers receive:
Luka Don i , Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
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Utah Jazz receive:
Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 LA Clippers second-round pick, 2025 Dallas Mavericks second-round pick
Mavs GM Nico Harrison on Doncic trade
What they’re saying:
On Sunday morning, general manager Nico Harrison of the Dallas Mavericks issued a statement regarding the trade.
General Manager Nico Harrison said, “We are grateful for Luka and his efforts during his time with us.” “Along with Maxi and Markieff, two seasoned voices equally appreciated across this organization, he helped create this team and was a key component of the success we’ve seen over the years, including our recent run to the NBA Finals. We are thrilled to have Anthony and Max join us in this new chapter. AD is a seasoned veteran who can contribute to our defensive improvement while playing both sides of the court. He has a firsthand understanding of what it takes to succeed, and I have no doubt that he is inspired to contribute to the progress we are making in Dallas.”
The backstory
Why would Don I be traded by the Mavericks?
Marc Steinsays, an NBA insider Luka did not ask for a trade, and the Mavericks made the move on their own initiative.
The organization was worried about the 25-year-old because of his conditioning problems and an impending supermax contract, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
Throughout his NBA career, Don I has struggled with injuries.
Of the 49 games the Mavericks have played this season, he has only appeared in 22 of them. Since hurting his calf against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day, he has not been able to play.
Luka Doncic traded: Reactions to blockbuster deal
Those who offered their opinions on the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to move Luka Don I included Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki, Cowboys standout Micah Parsons, and Mavs supporter Patrick Mahomes.
Nevertheless, having been selected to the first team All-NBA for each of the previous five seasons, Don I is one of the NBA’s top rising talents.
With a trip to the NBA Finals the previous season and the Western Conference Finals in 2022, he also guided the Mavericks to postseason triumph.
Don I averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game during his time with Dallas.
Doncic’s average of 28.6 points ranks third in NBA history among players with at least 400 games, behind only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan, both of whom had averages of 30.1.
Anthony Davis
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 27: On January 27, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers responds to a play during the second half of the team’s game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. A NOTE TO YOU
Anthony Davis is the main component of the Mavericks’ comeback.
In 2020, Davis, then 31 years old, won a championship with the Lakers.
The nine-time All-Star is still a defensive mainstay and is regarded as one of the league’s top centers.
He is averaging 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 25.7 points per game this season.
Davis has a lengthy history of injuries as well.
About an hour after the Lakers’ victory over New York at Madison Square Garden, the trade announcement was announced. Davis did not attend the game with the Lakers. Due to an injury to his abdomen, he was back in Los Angeles.
What they’re saying:
Tim MacMahon reports that Mavs general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN, “I think that defense wins championships.” “I think we have a better chance if we have an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mentality. We are designed to succeed both now and in the future.
Anthony Davis Contract
Following the 2028 season, Anthony Davis will become a free agent.
Over $43 million this season, $54 million next season, $58 million in 2026–2027, and a $62 million player option in 2027–2028 are all being earned by the 31-year-old.
The Source: ESPN’s Shams Charania, Tim MacMahon, Marc Stein, Spotrac, and the NBA provided the information for this article.
