Did That Just Happen? Sports World Stunned by Luka Doncic’s Shock Trade to the Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic is set to leave the reigning Western Conference champions, the Dallas Mavericks, joining the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, according to a source familiar with the agreement who spoke on Sunday (AEDT).

In addition to Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris will also make the move to Los Angeles, while Davis and Max Christie will head to Dallas. This information was shared with The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, as neither team can officially announce the transaction until it receives NBA approval.

The Utah Jazz are also part of this significant trade, as indicated by the source.

ESPN, the first outlet to break the news, reported that the Jazz will receive Jalen Hood-Schifino along with two draft picks. This detail was also confirmed by the Dallas Morning News.

This is a monumental trade, as Doncic is poised to team up with LeBron James in Los Angeles, while Davis will partner with Kyrie Irving in Dallas.

Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN, “I am convinced that defence secures championships. Acquiring an All-Defensive centre and an All-NBA player with a defensive mentality definitely enhances our chances. We are positioned to succeed both now and in the future.”

For the time being, this deal will create a formidable pairing of Doncic and James in Los Angeles, while Davis will aim to forge a new star partnership with Irving in Dallas, reuniting Doncic with his former teammate, Lakers coach JJ Redick.

Doncic was on the court for the Mavericks when Redick played his final game on May 11, 2021.

At the time reports of the trade surfaced, the NBA had one game still in progress on Sunday (AEDT) — the clash between Phoenix and Portland. Suns guard Devin Booker recounted that fans in the stands informed him and his teammates about the trade.

“They mentioned Luka, and I thought, ‘Luka Garza?’” Booker remarked, making reference to the Minnesota centre.

Booker was not attempting to be humorous. He shared what many likely were thinking — disbelief that the Mavericks would actually trade Doncic.

“It’s astonishing, honestly. I don’t have much to say about it,” Booker expressed. “Luka has been considered untouchable and untradeable, showcasing once again that the NBA is unpredictable. It’s a business, and conversations about trades are always ongoing. So, don’t ever feel too safe.”

Suns star Kevin Durant added his thoughts: “It’s surreal. I can’t believe Luka Doncic would get traded. With his age and during the season, this league is wild. If he can be traded, then anyone is fair game.”

The shockwaves also reverberated through social media.

Cleveland centre Tristan Thompson tweeted, “Luka’s trade from Dallas must have an underlying story. This isn’t something that happens randomly on a Saturday night.”

Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who frequently attends Mavs matches, reacted with, “Wait, what?”

Jalen Brunson, guard for the Knicks, questioned if it was a prank: “April Fools, right?” he tweeted.

Clearly, it wasn’t.

Dallas will be facing Cleveland on Monday while the Lakers have a break until they meet the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. It’s uncertain when Doncic and Davis will debut for their new teams as the trade is pending NBA approval, and both are currently dealing with injuries without a known timeline for their recoveries.

Among players with at least 400 games, Doncic’s scoring average of 28.6 points ranks third in NBA history, trailing only Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain, who both averaged 30.1. When he’s fit, he is often described as either dynamic or virtually unstoppable.

Last season, Doncic finished third in MVP voting after averaging 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds per game—among the most remarkable statistical seasons in league history. He’s set to celebrate his 26th birthday later this month and has regarded James as an “idol” throughout his career. In a remarkable performance, Doncic scored 73 points against Atlanta on January 26, 2024, marking the fourth-highest single-game total ever recorded in the NBA, surpassed only by Chamberlain (100), Kobe Bryant (81), and Chamberlain again (78).

Davis, a ten-time All-Star, will be turning 32 next month. He was named as part of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, played a critical role in the Lakers’ championship win in the 2020 bubble, and like Doncic, is a five-time All-NBA selection.

For Doncic, this trade could carry significant financial implications, potentially costing him over $115 million. He was poised to sign a supermax contract this upcoming summer, one that could have been worth approximately $345 million over five years. Although he remains eligible for an extension, it is likely that he won’t be able to sign a five-year deal exceeding $230 million this summer.

Currently, Doncic is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, while Davis is putting up 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds per game.