Luka Doncic Stunned By Trade To Lakers; LeBron James, Anthony Davis Unaware Of Talks

The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers orchestrated what would become one of the most surprising trades in NBA history “in the shadows,” according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

That deal, which sends Luka Doncic to the Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Lakers, has sent shockwaves throughout not just the NBA, but the entire sports community.

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 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,” 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.

Doncic is reportedly targeting a February 8 return date from his calf injury. That’s two days after the NBA trade deadline. But for the Lakers and Mavs, the deadline came much sooner.

The Utah Jazz were also part of the deal. The Lakers are also receiving Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. Along with Davis, they are sending Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick to the Mavs. 

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

Stunning doesn’t do this trade justice. Dallas is coming off a run to the NBA Finals, with Doncic as its MVP. He has been the face of the franchise since being drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in 2018 and a regular candidate for NBA MVP.