In a trade that no one saw coming, Anthony Davis is heading to Dallas while Luka Dončić joins the Lakers, setting off a storm of reactions across the league.
Since being drafted first overall in 2012, Anthony Davis became the face of the New Orleans Pelicans before forcing his way to the Lakers in 2019. In Los Angeles, he played a role in securing the 2020 NBA championship alongside LeBron James, consolidating his reputation as one of the league’s elite two-way players.
Luka Dončić, on the other hand, was drafted third overall in 2018 by the Atlanta Hawks and immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Since entering the league, Dončić has averaged 28.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game over the last three seasons. A five-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA selection by age 24, Dončić led the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and brought his team to the 2023-2024 NBA Finals, but he struggled with the lack of roster depth around him.
The trade between the Lakers and Mavericks didn’t happen overnight — it was the result of months of speculation, internal frustrations and team priorities. For the Lakers, the decision to move Anthony Davis stemmed from growing concerns about his durability and being a solid long-term fit. Despite being one of the league’s most dominant big men when healthy, Davis has struggled with injuries and missed significant portions of multiple seasons. The Lakers, still in win-now mode with LeBron James nearing the end of his career, sought a more consistent offensive leader who could carry the team into the post-LeBron era. Luka Dončić, at just 24 years old, fit that vision.
On the other side, the Mavericks had reached a breaking point with Dončić’s situation. While he remained one of the most productive players in the NBA, internal frustrations with the front office, coaching staff and supporting roster led to tension. Reports surfaced of Dončić growing impatient with the Mavericks’ inability to build a true contending team around him, particularly after their early playoff exit last season. With the Mavericks struggling to find the right mix of talent around their franchise player, moving him for a defensive anchor like Davis offered them a way to reshape the team’s identity.
The trade happened quickly once both teams saw the mutual benefit. Negotiations escalated after the Lakers and Mavericks held preliminary discussions in the weeks leading up to the deadline, with Dallas initially hesitant to move Dončić but recognizing the need for a roster overhaul. Once Los Angeles agreed to include future draft picks and role players to match salaries, the deal was finalized, marking one of the most dramatic midseason trades in recent memory.
The trade was met with significant backlash in Dallas. Hundreds of Mavericks fans gathered outside the American Airlines Center to protest, chanting “Sell the team!” and displaying signs with phrases such as “Fire Nico,” targeting General Manager Nico Harrison. Some fans even organized a mock funeral for the franchise complete with a blue casket, symbolizing their discontent over losing Dončić.
In contrast, Lakers supporters expressed excitement and shock at acquiring Dončić. One fan noted: “Sad to see AD go, but happy for Luka. He’s a good player.” Another added: “We got a good deal. Thank you, Texas.”
While the dust is still settling, the true impact of this trade will take time to become clear. The Lakers have secured a young superstar in Luka Dončić, potentially setting the stage for a post-LeBron future, but questions remain about whether he will fit into their system. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are betting on Anthony Davis’ defensive precision and championship experience to reshape their team despite concerns about his durability.
Both franchises have taken major risks, and only time will tell if this move leads to future championships. For now, the NBA world watches as two of the league’s biggest stars adjust to their new homes with the weight of expectations riding on their shoulders.