Mavericks shockingly trade Luka Dončić to Lakers for Anthony Davis in 3-team deal

Updated Feb. 2, 2025 6:46 p.m. ET

A shocker went down in the wee hours of Sunday morning in the NBA, with two of the biggest names in the league on the move.

The Dallas Mavericks sent Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino from the Lakers and two second-round picks.

The Lakers made the news official later Sunday.

Per ESPN, Utah will receive the 2025 Clippers second-round pick that was owned by the Lakers, and the 2025 Mavericks second-round pick for help in facilitating the deal. 

Dončić, 25, is a five-time All-Star and five-time first-team All-NBA player who was in the midst of his seventh season with the Mavericks. He won the NBA scoring title just a year ago and helped lead the Mavericks to the NBA Finals, where they lost in five games to the Boston Celtics.

Doncic released a statement Sunday, expressing appreciation for the Dallas faithful.

Davis, 31, is a 10-time All-Star who is also a four-time first-team All-NBA player. He was in the midst of his sixth season in L.A., and won a championship with the Lakers in 2020.

According to reports, Dallas reached out to Los Angeles regarding a deal involving Dončić. 

Why?

Well, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, the Mavericks franchise had concerns regarding Dončić's future with the franchise, specifically from a financial perspective. 

His health and conditioning also came into play.

Dončić will now join forces with future first-ballot Hall of Famer and all-time NBA scoring leader LeBron James, who is 40 and in his 22nd professional season.

James found out about the trade after his triple-double game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, ESPN reported.

Davis will now be alongside James' former teammate Kyrie Irving, an eight-time All-Star who won a championship with James in Cleveland back in 2016. 

As of Feb. 2, the Lakers are fifth in the West at 28-19, while Dallas is eighth at 26-23. Dončić has missed 27 games this season and hasn't played since Dec. 25 due to a calf strain. Davis has missed four.

Also of note: Lakers coach JJ Redick and Dončić were teammates during the 2020-21 season.

"Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come," Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement. "His killer instincts and commitment to winning championships will be a driving force for the team. We will be relentless in building a roster around the on-court vision Coach Redick has for this basketball team and there is an unwavering commitment to that work to serve our loyal and dedicated fans. We are grateful for today and look forward to what's next."

Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison also released a statement.

"This is a new chapter, and we are excited to welcome Anthony and Max to the fold. AD is an experienced veteran, who can play both ends of the floor while helping elevate us defensively. He knows first-hand what it takes to win, and I know he’s motivated to be a part of what we’re building in Dallas."

The Lakers and Mavericks will square off for the first time following the trade on Feb. 25 in Los Angeles, and will play again on April 9 in Dallas.

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