The Dallas Mavericks are trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, according to a person with knowledge of the agreement. The deal, which involves other teams and players, is considered one of the most significant franchise-altering moves in NBA history.
Doncic led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season but has been sidelined since Christmas Day due to a calf injury. Meanwhile, Davis was not playing for the Lakers recently because of an abdominal injury. The two superstars are now set to form new duos with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, respectively.
The trade would significantly impact Doncic’s contract value, as he could have signed a max deal worth $345 million over five seasons. Instead, he is likely limited to a more modest extension of around $230 million due to his age and extension eligibility. The Mavericks’ general manager, Nico Harrison, believes the move will improve their team’s chances by adding an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset.
The deal has sent shockwaves on social media, with many fans expressing surprise and skepticism about its sudden announcement. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the trade, Doncic’s impressive statistics are well-documented: he averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds per game last season, earning him third place in the MVP voting.
Davis, who is also dealing with an injury, will be paired with Irving to form a new star duo in Dallas. The trade’s impact on both teams’ futures remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this deal has significant implications for the NBA and its top players.
Source: https://www.tsn.ca/nba/los-angeles-lakers-acquire-luka-doncic-from-dallas-mavericks-for-davis-in-three-team-deal-1.2245410