In what is one of the more surreal trades in the history of professional sports, the Los Angeles Lakers have sent away one of its franchise legends in exchange for a young superstar.
As first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, and since confirmed by multiple other reporters, the Lakers will bring in 25-year-old guard Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, as well as role players Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
The Lakers are sending away Anthony Davis, who won the 2020 NBA Championship with LeBron James and the Purple and Gold.
Davis is headed to Dallas alongside Max Christie and the Lakers’ first-round draft pick in 2029. The trade was a three-teamer with the Utah Jazz, which receive Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round draft picks.
Doncic is one of the brightest stars in the NBA. He’s a five-time All-Star and led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals just last season alongside former LeBron-teammate Kyrie Irving.
He’s dealt with injuries this season, and has only played in 22 of a possible 49 games. The trade appears to be a move looking toward the future for the Lakers, who are led by the 40-year-old James.
Davis, 31, was in his fifth season with the Lakers after playing his first seven with the New Orleans Pelicans. Listed at 6-foot-10, L.A. now has a clear defensive hole, as Davis has been one of the better defenders in the NBA throughout his career.
Doncic is a prolific scorer, having averaged more than 28 points per game in his career.
