In a blockbuster trade that figures to impact the Western Conference balance of power for years to come, the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz agreed to a three-team deal that will swap Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania late Saturday.
L.A. will receive Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris from the Mavericks, sources said. Dallas will receive Davis, Max Christie and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick.
The Jazz will receive Jalen Hood-Schifino, the LA Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick and the Mavs’ 2025 second-round selection.
“I believe that defense wins championships,” Mavs general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, explaining his motivation to deal Doncic for Davis.
“I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”
The Lakers’ front office, ownership group and coaching staff were in alignment on the deal, excited to acquire a young superstar in Doncic while recognizing it takes a lot to get a lot in the NBA.
Lakers superstar LeBron James learned of the trade when it broke while he was out to dinner with family after Saturday’s win against the New York Knicks, sources close to James told ESPN. James was surprised by the news, was processing it and had no idea it was in the works, sources said. Davis and Doncic were also not informed of the trade ahead of time, sources told Charania.
The Mavericks were motivated to move Doncic because of his constant conditioning concerns, sources told MacMahon. There had been significant frustration within the organization about Doncic’s lack of discipline regarding his diet and conditioning, which team sources considered a major factor in his injury issues.
The deal is as stunning as it is historic. It’s the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA players have been traded for each other midseason, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
