Mavericks trade Luka Doncic to Lakers for Anthony Davis in NBA mega bombshell

In a seismic trade that could reshape the Western Conference landscape for years to come, the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz have struck a blockbuster three-team deal, sending Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Luka Doncic, as per ESPN's Shams Charania.

As part of the agreement, the Lakers will acquire Doncic, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris from Dallas. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will land Davis, Max Christie, and L.A.'s 2029 first-round pick.

The Jazz, acting as the third party in the deal, will receive Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Clippers' 2025 second-round selection, and the Mavericks' 2025 second-round pick.

No, you're not trapped in a bad dream, Mavs fans—Dallas' Slovenian sensation Luka Doncic is being traded.

As Saturday night faded into Sunday morning on the East Coast, disbelief set in. The trade was so shocking that many—including fans, analysts, and even players—assumed ESPN insider Shams Charania had been hacked or there's been some glitch.

Here's some of the quick reaction from around the NBA world:

Here's how the trade ultimately shook out:

Lakers receive: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris

Mavericks receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 Lakers first-round pick

Jazz receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Clippers second-round pick, 2025 Mavericks second-round pick

This is a seismic shift in the NBA landscape—an unexpected and downright bizarre swap. Just months ago, Doncic was steering Dallas to the NBA Finals, while Davis was instrumental in helping LeBron James reclaim championship glory. Now, the two megastars have traded places, with several other pieces shuffled in the mix.

The Mavericks will enter a rebuilding phase after losing their franchise player. Acquiring Davis provides them with a star player, but his injury history raises concerns about his long-term availability and effectiveness. The team may need to adjust its strategy to build around Davis while integrating new players like Max Christie and the future draft pick.

With Doncic's departure, the Mavericks will need to redefine their playing style and team identity. This change could lead to a more defensive-oriented approach with Davis as the focal point, shifting away from the high-paced, offensive style that Doncic led.

On the other hand, the acquisition of Doncic positions the Lakers as immediate championship contenders. Doncic's ability to score, facilitate, and rebound makes him an ideal complement to LeBron James, potentially extending both players' careers by alleviating some of the offensive burden from James. The trade creates high expectations for the Lakers' management to build a supporting cast around Doncic and James. Failure to do so could lead to criticism and pressure on executives to make further moves or adjustments, impacting long-term planning and stability within the organization

Doncic has been sidelined since suffering a calf strain during Dallas’ Christmas Day defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves. According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, the Mavericks were deeply concerned about their long-term future with the Slovenian star, citing persistent conditioning struggles and the looming decision on another supermax contract extension this summer.

Before going down with the injury, Doncic was putting up elite numbers yet again—averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 3.4 made threes, and 2.0 steals across 22 games. He shot 46.4% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc, proving once more why he remains one of the league’s premier talents.

Now, once fully recovered, the challenge will be slotting seamlessly into the Lakers' setup alongside James. Adapting to a new offensive system, developing chemistry with his teammates, and finding his rhythm in high-stakes playoff moments will be crucial for Doncic as he embarks on this new chapter in Los Angeles.