In the world of sports, the unexpected often becomes reality. One of the most astonishing moments in NBA history came with the shocking trade of Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis. Early on the morning of February 2nd, news broke that the face of the Dallas Mavericks was headed to the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Lakers’ defensive cornerstone would be heading to Dallas. At first, many believed it was some kind of bad joke, but as the full details emerged, it became clear this was no prank—it was one of the most significant trades in NBA history. What made it even more remarkable was that, for the first time ever, two All-NBA players—both among the league’s elite—were exchanged for one another.
Trade Details
While the full details of the trade remain mostly undisclosed, the deal wasn’t just about AD and Dončić. Other players were involved in the transaction as well. From Dallas, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris moved to LA, while Max Christie was sent to Dallas. Additionally, the Mavericks received the Lakers’ first-round pick in the 2029 draft and $55,000 from the Utah Jazz. The Jazz, in turn, received Jalen Hood-Schifino from the Lakers (whom they would sell five days later), along with two second-round picks in 2025 (one from the Clippers and the other from the Mavericks). To facilitate the trade, Davis waived a $5.9 million bonus to give the Mavericks more salary cap flexibility. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver didn’t criticize or veto the trade, expressing support for the Dallas front office.
Why the Mavericks Made the Move
According to the Mavericks’ leadership, the trade made sense. It was no secret that General Manager Nico Harrison and his team were never entirely convinced by Luka Dončić, despite his incredible individual achievements over the last seven years, including leading Dallas to the NBA Finals last season for the first time since 2011. Although Dončić was viewed as the heir to Dirk Nowitzki’s throne, many in the organization never fully embraced him. Why? One of the main reasons was his Slovenian heritage—he came from a small European country, not a major basketball hub like Germany or France.
Reports suggested that Harrison and other executives were concerned about Dončić’s physical condition—his declining fitness, lack of effort in training, and his weight issues (largely due to an unhealthy diet). They feared that an unfit Dončić could face injury problems in the near future. These concerns were confirmed by Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont, who stated after the trade, “There’s no time for vacations during the season.” This remark, while harsh, echoed the actions of Dennis Rodman, one of the NBA’s greatest defenders, who famously took a mid-season break to vacation in Las Vegas before returning to help lead the Chicago Bulls to a championship alongside Michael Jordan.
Furthermore, Dončić was on a huge contract, earning $43 million, and was set for an even bigger supermax extension in the summer of 2026. The Mavericks front office wasn’t eager to commit to such a large contract, fearing they might lose him without compensation in the future. Instead, they decided to go all-in on AD. Harrison made it clear that “defense wins championships” and praised Davis as “one of the best two-way players in the league.” Interestingly, Harrison had previously worked at Nike, which sponsors Davis, so there may have been personal financial interests behind the trade as well.
Why the Lakers Made the Move
While the Mavericks initiated the trade, the Lakers also had their own reasons for acquiring Luka Dončić. General Manager Rob Pelinka wanted a superstar playmaker to fill the void left by their lack of offensive leadership. Pelinka was well aware of Dončić’s physical limitations but used that to his advantage in securing favorable terms. His primary goal was to add another superstar to the roster, ensuring the Lakers maintained their tradition of star power, especially as LeBron James’ career winds down. The prospect of a LeBron-Dončić duo was a brilliant marketing move—both a boost to the team’s on-court success and a huge commercial opportunity. Dončić’s incredible passing and leadership could elevate the Lakers’ offense, and his presence was bound to attract young, rising stars eager to play alongside him.
Who Won the Trade?
So, who really came out on top in this monumental trade? At first glance, it seems the Lakers are the clear winners and the Mavericks the losers. This is the consensus among most analysts, who have ranked the trade as one of the most irrational moves ever. Rob Pelinka received glowing reviews, while Nico Harrison was handed failing grades. But if you take a closer look, the picture becomes less clear. Both teams face significant challenges in the short and long term, and it’s difficult to predict who will ultimately benefit from the deal.
Dončić’s Impact
In the short term, it’s safe to say the Lakers are the winners. The team finished 3rd in the Western Conference, securing home-court advantage in the playoffs. Dončić joined the Lakers on February 10 and played 28 games in the regular season. He averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, immediately making an impact. He became the focal point of the offense, not only in terms of scoring but also in controlling the game. However, Dončić’s defensive weaknesses were exposed, especially against quicker and more aggressive players. The Lakers, already a poor defensive team, found their defense further compromised. This was especially evident in their first playoff game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where they suffered a heavy 117–95 loss. It’s unlikely that the Lakers will advance past the Conference semifinals if Dončić’s defense remains an issue.
Davis’ Impact
Anthony Davis, on the other hand, struggled more after the trade, largely due to injuries. In his first game on February 8, Davis re-aggravated an existing injury, forcing him to miss most of February and March. In the nine games he played, he averaged 20 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game. Unfortunately, the Mavericks also faced injury troubles with Kyrie Irving and other players, leading to a drop in their standings. Despite some individual successes, Dallas barely made the Play-In Tournament, finishing 10th in the West. They defeated Sacramento but were outclassed by the Memphis Grizzlies 120–106 in the next round. Davis managed to score 40 points, but it wasn’t enough, and the Mavericks’ season ended there.
The Long-Term Outlook
Looking ahead, the long-term impact of this trade remains uncertain. The Lakers may have benefited in the short term, but they have serious gaps to address. The most glaring issue is the age of LeBron James—who will turn 41 next season—and the uncertain future of the Lakers’ roster after he retires. Their success hinges on Dončić’s ability to step up as the team leader and whether they can surround him with strong defensive players. If Dončić is unable to meet these expectations, this trade could become a disaster for LA.
On the other hand, AD is an excellent player, but he is prone to injuries. The Mavs lack quality shooters and playmakers, except for the injured Irving, who will be 34 years old when he returns in early 2026. The question is whether he will ever be the same player after his serious knee injury. In any case, AD won’t be able to carry the Mavs to greater success on his own. The club’s management will need to find quality shooters, as well as defensive players, in order to compete with the strongest teams like the Celtics. The true winner of the Dončić-AD trade will be known in two to three years, depending on the players’ health and the actions of the management.
Author: Matija Šerić
Featured image: Unsplash
