CNN — In one of the most startling moves ever reported, the NBA landscape has shifted dramatically in the blink of an eye. The Dallas Mavericks will trade NBA superstar Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round lottery pick, the Mavericks said on Sunday. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the blockbuster transaction on Saturday, citing sources.
In a statement, Dallas general manager Nico Harrison praised the five-time All-Star Doncic, adding, “He helped build this team and was an integral part of the success we’ve seen throughout the years, including our recent NBA Finals run.” Harrison went on to say, “This is a new chapter” for Davis, “who can play both ends of the floor while helping us elevate defensively.”
Doncic, 25, is currently sidelined with a calf injury but has averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in 22 games with the Mavericks this season. The moves come only hours after the Lakers upset the New York Knicks 128-112 in Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. LeBron James impressed the New York crowd, ending with 33 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds for his 10th triple-double of the season. James, 40, improved to 23-9 in the venue he considers his favorite to visit. The deal came at a high cost for the Lakers, as they lost James’ heroic companion in Davis since the 2019-2020 season, when the two won an NBA title.
Davis is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game in 42 games for the Lakers this season, and he was recently named to his 10th career All-Star Game. Davis missed the last two Lakers games due to an abdominal muscle issue. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Mavericks had “major concerns” about Doncic’s conditioning and an imminent potential supermax deal extension. To complete the trade, the Utah Jazz will get Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2025 Los Angeles Clippers second-round draft selection, and a 2025 Mavericks second-round pick. CNN has contacted the Lakers and Jazz for comment.
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