AN unexpected NBA trade sent shockwaves through the sports world yesterday—the Los Angeles Lakers shipped veteran big man Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for young star Luka Doncic.
It was a deal that left armchair pundits scratching their heads, even likening it to pacts only seen in fantasy leagues.
How in the universe is it possible?
But it’s for real.
Davis, 31, is set to join a Dallas side boasting stars Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving. The Mavs, still searching for their second title after winning it all in 2011 behind now-retired legend Dirk Nowitzki, will also get Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick.
The Utah Jazz were also involved in the deals and will land Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round draft pick via the Los Angeles Clippers from the Lakers. Dallas is also sending a 2025 second-round selection to Utah.
But does dealing your franchise player make sense for the Mavs who will have an injury-prone Davis?
To be fair, Davis is a defensive ace and a force inside and outside with averages of 25.7 points, 11.9 boards, 3.4 assists and 2.1 blocks across 42 games (all starts) during the 2024-25 season. He is a 10-time All-Star (including this season), five-time All-NBA selection and five-time All-Defensive Team selection.
A former No. 1 pick overall out of Kentucky in 2012, the 6-foot-10 Davis went down on Tuesday (last Wednesday in Manila) with an abdominal muscle strain.
At only 25, it’s a no-brainer the Slovenian Doncic will be a big boost to the charges of new Los Angeles coach JJ Reddick.
As part of the transaction, the Lakers will also have Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
Now 40 years old, there’s no doubt the great LeBron James still has a lot left in his tank—this campaign is a big testament to his longevity—to how he takes care of his body and still wow true-blue cage fans.
Doncic, who last saw action on Christmas Day (strained left calf) has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists in 22 games (all starts) this season. He has played only for Dallas in his seven-year NBA sting after being tabbed third overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2018 Draft.
Atlanta traded his draft rights to the Mavs in exchange for the draft rights to Trae Young.
The Lakers can be looking at the heir apparent to the “King” and the Mavs are raring to win now.
Whether the trade was worth it will be known this summer.