In one of the most shocking moves in recent NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz have agreed to a blockbuster three-team trade that shakes up the Western Conference. The trade, finalized just ahead of the February 6 NBA trade deadline, sends Anthony Davis to the Mavericks and brings Luka Doncic to the Lakers in a deal that has stunned fans, players, and analysts alike.
Trade Details: Who’s Going Where?
According to reports from USA TODAY Sports and ESPN’s Shams Charania, here’s how the trade breaks down:
- Los Angeles Lakers receive:
- Luka Doncic (from Dallas Mavericks)
- Maxi Kleber (from Mavericks)
- Markieff Morris (from Mavericks)
- Dallas Mavericks receive:
- Anthony Davis (from Lakers)
- Max Christie (from Lakers)
- 2025 First-Round Draft Pick (from Lakers)
- Utah Jazz receive:
- Jalen Hood-Schifino (from Lakers)
- 2025 Second-Round Pick (from Lakers)
- 2025 Second-Round Pick (from Mavericks)
This deal represents a seismic shift in the Western Conference, with two of the league’s biggest stars—Davis and Doncic—switching teams.
LeBron James Reacts to the Trade
Interestingly, even LeBron James was caught off guard. After leading the Lakers to a 128-112 victory over the New York Knicks with a 33-point triple-double, LeBron was at a post-game dinner when he learned about the trade. James, a close friend of Davis and represented by the same agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, reportedly had no prior knowledge of the deal.
Player Stats and Impact
Luka Doncic’s Impact on the Lakers
The Lakers have landed one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. The 25-year-old Luka Doncic, a five-time All-Star, was third in MVP voting last season and led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics. Before his calf injury on Christmas, Doncic averaged:
- 28.1 points
- 8.3 rebounds
- 7.8 assists
- Shooting 46.4% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range
Doncic’s elite offensive skills will complement LeBron James in new head coach JJ Redick’s system. He’s not just a short-term asset—Doncic represents the Lakers’ future, especially as LeBron, now 40, approaches retirement.
Anthony Davis’s Role with the Mavericks
For Dallas, acquiring Anthony Davis adds a dominant two-way player to pair with Kyrie Irving and a strong supporting cast, including Klay Thompson. Despite currently being sidelined with an abdominal strain, Davis has been outstanding this season:
- 25.7 points per game
- 11.9 rebounds
- 3.4 assists
- 2.1 blocks
- 1.2 steals
His size, versatility, and defensive prowess could make Dallas a serious contender again. Davis is under contract through the 2027-28 season after signing a three-year, $175.3 million extension, with a player option for the final year.
Contract Situations
- Luka Doncic signed a five-year, $215.1 million contract in 2022 with the Mavericks, keeping him under contract through 2026-27, but he can opt out in 2026. He’s also eligible for an extension this summer.
- Anthony Davis is locked in through 2027, with a player option for 2027-28, giving the Mavericks some long-term security.
What This Trade Means for the Western Conference
The Western Conference was already competitive, but this trade adds a new layer of intrigue:
- The Lakers (28-19) are currently 5th in the West, just one game behind the Denver Nuggets. Adding Doncic could push them into serious title contention.
- The Mavericks (26-23) sit in 9th place, but they’re only 2.5 games behind the 6th-place Clippers. With Davis healthy, Dallas could climb the standings quickly.
- The Jazz may not be title contenders right now, but their additional draft picks and young talent position them well for future growth.
This trade is more than just a player swap—it’s a move that could redefine the future of multiple franchises. The Lakers are banking on Luka Doncic to be their next superstar, while the Mavericks hope Anthony Davis can stay healthy and lead them back to the NBA Finals. As for the Jazz, their role in this deal strengthens their rebuilding efforts.
With the trade deadline looming, it’s clear the NBA is as unpredictable as ever. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how this blockbuster deal impacts the remainder of the season.
