February 12, 2025
Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor
In a shocking move, the Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team deal finalized February 2, 2025. The trade sent Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to L.A., while Dallas received Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz also joined the trade, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.
This trade sent shockwaves throughout the league, as there were no rumors or reports leading up to it — just a sudden announcement on a Saturday night. Even more surprising, Dončić never requested a trade and was expected to sign a supermax extension this summer. CBS Sports graded the trade for the Lakers an “A+” for acquiring a 25-year-old generational talent, while Dallas received an “F” for trading away their franchise cornerstone for an aging, injury-prone Davis.
Mavericks general manager, Nico Harrison, is facing intense backlash for the move. Fans feel betrayed, considering Dončić had just led the team to the NBA Finals last season and even purchased a $15 million home in Dallas, proving his commitment to the franchise.
For Dončić, the trade came as a complete shock. “I wanted so badly to bring you a championship,” he told Mavericks fans in an emotional farewell. Now in Los Angeles, he joins forces with LeBron James, forming, potentially, one of the most skilled duos in NBA history. For the first time in his career, LeBron might not be the best player on his team — allowing him to take a lesser role and let Dončić shine.
The Lakers’ biggest concern is defense, as losing Davis leaves a hole in the frontcourt. General manager Rob Pelinka quickly moved to sign Mark Williams, a 7’0” center from the Charlotte Hornets. This addition aims to compensate Davis’ absence, while also providing stability on the defensive end.
For Dallas, acquiring Davis highlights a positive shift toward defense, but concerns about his age, 31, and injury history loom large. While he remains an elite player when healthy, his long-term durability is extremely questionable.
Some speculate the Mavericks made this move for financial reasons, avoiding Dončić’s upcoming supermax contract. However, most fans see it as a massive misstep, as Dončić was the face of the franchise and still had years of prime basketball ahead of him.
This deal is the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA players have been traded for each other midseason. Some compare it to the 1988 Wayne Gretzky trade, which changed the NHL landscape forever.
Regardless of whether the Lakers secure a championship in the coming years, this trade will be seen as a successful, franchise-defining move. However, if the Mavericks fail to remain competitive, this move will go down as the worst in franchise history.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will focus on how Dončić adapts in L.A. and whether Dallas can recover from losing their biggest star. The debate over this trade is far from over — and its true impact will only be revealed with time.
Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu
