The Dallas Mavericks have made a shocking move by trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and a first-round pick. The trade, which was finalized late Saturday night, has left fans stunned and questioning the decision. Doncic, 25, is a perennial MVP candidate who led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, while Davis, 32, is a 10-time All-Star but not on the same level as Doncic.
The move is a huge risk for the Mavericks, who are giving up one of the game’s brightest young stars to potentially gain an advantage over the Lakers in the Western Conference. Doncic had been plagued by conditioning issues and was set to sign a supermax extension with Dallas this summer that would have paid him around $345 million over five seasons.
The trade has sent shockwaves through the NBA, with many wondering how the Mavericks could let go of such a talented player. The team’s general manager, Nico Harrison, had previously made bold moves in trading for Kyrie Irving and P.J. Washington, but this move may be too drastic.
While the Mavericks believe they can still compete without Doncic, the loss of his incredible scoring and playmaking ability will undoubtedly impact their offense. Irving, who is 32 years old and dealing with a bulging disc in his back, will have to take on more responsibility as a shot creator, which could be a challenge.
The Mavericks are expected to address the trade with the team Sunday morning, and fans are eagerly awaiting an explanation from general manager Harrison. The team will also face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, and Davis will make his return to Dallas on April 9.
As for Doncic, he is set to play two more games against the Lakers before returning to Dallas, and many are wondering if he will “torch” the Mavs moving forward. The move is a bold one that could pay off in the long run, but it’s clear that the Mavericks have made a significant risk to gain an advantage over their rivals.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6106419/2025/02/02/mavericks-reasons-luka-doncic-anthony-davis-trade-nba