Lakers and Mavericks Trade

Luka Doncic during his tenure as a Maverick. Photo courtesy of: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2024/03/10/doncic-sets-new-nba-record-as-mavs-down-pistons/

On Feb 1, in a move that will have major ramifications across the league, the Los Angeles Lakers have traded Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. This blockbuster trade, which also involved the Utah Jazz receiving Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks, marks the first time two reigning All-NBA players have been exchanged midseason.

The Mavericks' decision to part ways with Doncic has many fans calling it one of the most shocking trades in the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) history. Doncic, leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals just eight months ago, has often been criticized for his defensive effort. 

“The Mavs had major concerns about moving forward with Luka Doncic due to his constant conditioning issues and the looming commitment of another supermax contract extension this summer, sources told ESPN,” wrote Tim MacMahon on X.

Paired along with his worsening condition, Doncic is also injury prone, playing just 22 games this season. The Mavericks were hesitant to payout a supermax contract, for they no longer believed that Doncic could sustain a win-now mentality.

General Manager Nico Harrison also emphasized the need for defensive strength in securing championships, stating, "I believe that defense wins championships. I do believe that we positioned ourselves to win now and also win in the future. “And that's ultimately the goal and why we're here. It's one of those things where it's my job to make the tough decisions that put our goals first and foremost.”

However, the trade return value from the Lakers in a 31-year-old Davis and young Christie has raised many questions among fans and analysts. Only receiving one first round pick in compensation has many confused, as players like Mikal Bridges were traded for six first round picks. Many even believed that Shams Charnia–who breaked the news– was hacked.

NBA player Tyrese Haliburton wrote: “Shams got hacked?” Fellow NBA star Alex Caruso added: “Nah Shams gotta be hacked.”  "April fools right?" posted Knicks guard Jalen Brunson on X. Tyrese Maxey also chimed in saying, “HUH!!!!”

Doncic is set to wear No. 77 for the Lakers, as LA management believes that Doncic can be the next star for the franchise after Lebron James. Many continue to wonder, however, how Doncic was traded before Dwight Powell.