Lakers Reached Out To Rich Paul Following Luka Doncic Offer From Mavs

The Los Angeles Lakers reached out to agent Rich Paul after the Dallas Mavericks offered Luka Doncic in a trade for Anthony Davis, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Davis and Lakers star LeBron James are both among Paul’s clients.

“The Lakers reached out to Rich Paul after the inquiry from the Dallas Mavericks, and the Lakers explained that they are looking from LeBron James’ replacement,” Haynes said. “Somebody who can initiate the offense, a dominant scorer out on the perimeter, someone who can take over the reins.”

The sides reportedly agreed to a deal on Saturday, with Doncic and others heading to LA, and Davis and others heading to Dallas. The Utah Jazz were also involved in the deal.

Doncic has been out with a calf strain and is reportedly seeking a February 8 return.

Yes, this is real. Sources tell ESPN: Full trade:

– Lakers: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris

– Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 LAL 1st

– Jazz: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Clippers 2nd, 2025 Mavericks 2nd https://t.co/bltojdTaQj

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 2, 2025

Doncic was reportedly stunned — and Davis and LeBron James had no idea the trade was even being discussed. Per Dave McMenamin of ESPN, James was at dinner with his family when he learned of the major breaking NBA news.

“Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, the players, coaches, a lot of people on both sides of the Mavericks and Lakers had no idea,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said on SportsCenter. “I can assuredly tell you…LeBron James had no idea this was coming. Anthony Davis had no idea this was coming. I’m told Luka Doncic is still stunned about this trade.”

Marc Stein of The Stein Line added that Doncic did not request a trade. By all accounts, neither did Davis.