Anthony Davis And Luka Dončić's Trade Comes Out As Surprises, Has Left NBA World in Uproar

The latest breaking news from the NBA is not only shocking to the fans but also to players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant. The historical trade involving two of the league’s biggest stars: Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers has too much drama to cover as there were no prior rumors or leaks about the deal.

The Trade Details

Yes, it really happened. Welcome to Los Angeles, Luka. pic.twitter.com/XdlZZ5IfNo

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 2, 2025

As part of a 3 team trade, involving the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Utah Jazz, the Mavs agreed to send 25-year-old superstar from Slovenia, Luka Dončić to the Lakers, in exchange for ten-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis. This trade is easily one of the biggest in NBA history, shaking up two franchises built around superstar talent. It is also the first time that two All-NBA players have been traded for each other mid-season. Here is what each team will receive in this shocking trade:

Welcome to Dallas, @AntDavis23!@chime // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/uKfGRv9R6U

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 2, 2025

• Mavericks receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers' 2029 first-round pick
• Lakers receive: Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris, and Luka Dončić
• Jazz receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks

Reactions from the NBA World

Coaches of NBA teams, fans, and even co-owners are taken aback from what is being dubbed as “the great exchange” of NBA history. No one knew about the trade. Even stake owners like Cuban are acting clueless about the matter. Meanwhile, ESPN's Shams Charania first broke the news about AD and Luka Doncic's exchange but the news was so unbelievable that fans and players thought he had been hacked. Doncic has expressed his goodbye to his current team “To all the organizations I’ve worked with throughout the Dallas community, thank you for letting me contribute to your important work and join you in bringing light to those who need it.”
 

Doncic has expressed his goodbye to his current team “To all the organizations I’ve worked with throughout the Dallas community, thank you for letting me contribute to your important work and join you in bringing light to those who need it.” On the other hand, Kyrie Irving, Doncic’s former teammate in Dallas was stunned by the trade whereas Kevin Durant’s first reaction on the court has been widely shared as well. Later on, he described the exchange as "crazy" and "insane", highlighting the unpredictable nature of the league. 

It is widely believed among fans that it is actually James who manages the team. NBA Insider for CBS News, Bill Reiter reported that “LeBron had grown frustrated with Anthony Davis.” According to numerous sources, not even LeBron was surprised by the trade. However, LeBron James has been accused of influencing this exchange, to which he has responded with “You a fkn lie!!! 🤥🤡.”

You a fkn lie!!! 🤥🤡 https://t.co/EYNRUbUFmj

— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 2, 2025

Charley Barkly stated his reaction as “they must know something we don't know.” about AD and Luka swap either while Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers didn’t even believe the news at first and thought it was AI-generated. Mark Cuban, the Mavericks’ minority owner and former controlling owner of the team, clarified that he was not directly involved in the trade negotiations. It does raise eyebrows, it was Cuban who boasted about giving a possible divorce to his wife instead of letting Doncic go to another NBA team. However, when asked by Brad Townsend about his reaction, first all Cuban did was reply with “MFFL.” LA Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has been fed up with these trade questions for years. Buss went on to grab “the chance of a basketball lifetime”, according to the New York Times and other sources. General manager Rob Pelinka said, “We are grateful for today and look forward to what’s next.”

Fans Reactions

The trade has sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans more divided than before. LA Clippers Muse on X shared a clip showing the calm frustration. Some Lakers fans are excited to see the synergy between Doncic and LeBron James, while Mavericks supporters are mourning the loss of their beloved superstar. One fan wrote, “Thought for sure Luka wanted out of Dallas, but it was actually the other way around.” Even rapper Lil Wayne has jumped in the reaction flood with “Lawwwwwwd have mercy!!!! Kuz my Lakers r obviously merciless!!!! This sh!t bout to be krazy slime!! Laker Luka?!?! Wow”

Implications for the NBA

This trade has immediate and long-term implications for both teams. The theatrics keep unfolding. The Mavericks are betting on Anthony Davis to lead their young core, including rising star Jaden Hardy. At the same time, the Lakers now boast a dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and LeBron James.  The Luka and AD NBA trade has also forced other teams such as Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors to rethink their tactics to compete with the revamped Lakers and Mavericks. Besides that, this big exchange between two of the biggest franchises in the NBA is already stealing attention from the Grammys.