While most were sleeping, the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning blockbuster trade that led to Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis swapping teams. The deal is perhaps one of the most star-studded ever, as it’s the first time in NBA history two reigning All-NBA players were traded midseason.
Lots of questions need to be answered, primarily on the Dallas side of things, as it’s shocking a team would trade a 25-year-old MVP candidate with global starpower fresh off an NBA Finals appearance. However, a report from CBS Sports said LeBron James had grown frustrated with Davis, who is averaging over 25 points and a dozen rebounds while playing elite defense.
LeBron James, who has not spoken to reporters about the move, broke his silence by posting a sarcastic response on X, calling the report a “f—ing lie.” It’s reported that James found out about the trade soon after the Lakers’ victory, while he was out to dinner with his family.
The Lakers received Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks took on Davis, Max Christie, and the Los Angeles 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks to settle the deal.
Dončić, who led the NBA with 33.4 points per game last season and won’t turn 26 until later this month, averages 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in his career, making him a perennial MVP candidate. The deal shakes up the NBA landscape, leaving many wondering what’s next for both teams.