The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kebler, and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick according to Shams Charania. The 2025 NBA season has been shaken up by this blockbuster trade that no one has seen coming. It is safe to say that the NBA world has changed dramatically within just a few hours, and the Western Conference will have new-look teams.
Luka Doncic is Heading To Los Angeles
While this is shocking news to media outlets and NBA fans across the world, it has been said that the Mavericks were in discussions to trade Luka due to concerns about his conditioning and the supermax contract that they will eventually have to pay in the future. What this means is that Dallas’s General Manager Nico Harrison is betting all of his chips on his other superstar Kyrie Irving, and Irving will now become the face of the franchise. Luka on the other hand is a big name in the NBA, so he is headed to a popular basketball town, where he will team up with LeBron James. Shocking news to start off the new year.
The Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic marks a monumental shift for the franchise, pairing him with LeBron James in what could be one of the most potent offensive duos in NBA history. Doncic, a perennial MVP candidate, brings elite playmaking, scoring, and versatility to a Lakers team seeking to maximize its championship window with LeBron still playing at an elite level.
Los Angeles also picked up veteran big man Maxi Kleber and forward Markieff Morris to bolster their frontcourt depth, ensuring they maintain size and defensive versatility despite losing Davis.
Utah Jazz Play Facilitator
While not a headline team in the trade, the Utah Jazz contributed by absorbing Jalen Hood-Schifino and collecting additional draft assets, securing two second-round picks in 2025. This move aligns with their ongoing strategy of accumulating young talent and draft capital.
LeBron James wanted to play with Luka for Years
It has been rumored that LeBron James was unaware of Anthony Davis’s involvement in trade talks, finding out about it while he was out for dinner. Fans speculated whether LeBron has a say in the trade discussions. Back in 2018, LeBron expressed admiration for Luka Dončić’s game when Luka was just entering the league.
LeBron stated: “He’s like my idol” “LUKA. He’s my fav player”
NBA reporter Windhorst has some insights on LeBron wanting to play with Luka for YEARS. Just out what he had to say here.
Windhorst: “This is not about the Lakers, not really about LeBron. It’s about the Mavs & Luka Doncic…One of the biggest most stunning trades in the history of the league…My phone’s exploded…Basically a rebuke of Doncic…Mavs saying they don’t think they can win w… pic.twitter.com/TYlvJ8I6z8
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 2, 2025
Now I know these are just simple statements, giving respect to another great player in the league, but it makes you think, that maybe James wanted to shake up the Lakers lineup, and adding another superstar like Luka can help him on his quest to win his fifth championship.
Who won the blockbuster trade?
NBA players, media, and fans are still in shock about the trade. Many can’t believe that Dallas traded away their young star, and even suggested that the trade was “Hacked”. It’s hard to see who won the trade. The Lakers will gain a superstar talent, but they also lose their big guy who can play the power forward and center position in Anthony Davis. They were already struggling in that position, and many believed they just needed another big to improve the team. Now they lost their star big guy, so it brings to question if they will be able to hang with bigger teams in the West like the Denver Nuggets.
The Mavericks on the other hand are losing a top talent, but they are adding to the power forward and center position with Anthony Davis now on the team. It is yet to be seen if he and Irving will have good chemistry, but if it all works out, they can still compete in the West with their new-look team. Who do you think won the trade?
What’s Next?
For the Lakers, the addition of Doncic could mean a more dynamic and offensively potent team, capable of competing for a championship immediately. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will look to integrate Davis into their system and establish themselves as a defensive powerhouse in the West.
As the dust settles on this groundbreaking deal, one thing is certain—this trade will be remembered as one of the most seismic transactions in recent NBA history. With the playoffs looming, all eyes will be on how these newly structured teams perform on the court.
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