Luka Doncic was “completely floored” upon hearing he had been traded to the Lakers, according to sources speaking to Dallas-based NBA insider Marc Stein. Stein emphasizes that Doncic did not request the trade, confirming reports that the Mavericks had concerns about extending the star player due to his “conditioning, ability to stay healthy, and off-court commitments.”
On ESPN’s SportsCenter, Brian Windhorst described the trade as a “rebuke” from the Mavericks’ perspective, highlighting that LeBron James had “dreamed” of playing alongside Doncic, though it’s uncertain how he feels about the trade due to his close ties with Anthony Davis.
In the week prior to the trade, there were rumors that the Mavericks might make a move, but rival teams were unsure of their plans. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, who has a previous relationship with Davis, focused on the 10-time All-Star as the ideal trade return for Doncic. Stein notes that Harrison had essentially narrowed his options to the Lakers, even though other teams had also been approached, but declined the offer.
Amick’s report reveals that the Lakers had concerns over Davis’ “durability and availability,” and felt he could no longer be relied on as a primary option. Harrison, speaking with Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News, shared that he approached Lakers’ Rob Pelinka more than a month ago to discuss “basketball” matters, leading to an unexpected conversation about the trade.
Harrison admitted that Doncic’s upcoming contract situation was a major factor in the trade. By moving him, the Mavericks got ahead of potential offseason complications regarding his super-max extension eligibility. Harrison revealed that he had not directly communicated with Doncic since the news broke, but had contacted his agent, Bill Duffy, whose responses were unanswered.
Davis, who has repeatedly stated that he sees himself as a power forward rather than a center, will likely play alongside other bigs like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively in Dallas. Harrison drew comparisons to Cleveland’s successful two-big lineup featuring Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Regarding James, both Stein and Amick report that his full no-trade clause puts him in a position to reassess whether he still wants to end his career in Los Angeles. Pelinka made several calls after the trade was finalized, including one with Davis, coach JJ Redick, agent Rich Paul, and James.
Doncic, who has been sidelined with a calf strain since Christmas, was eyeing February 8 as his return date. His former teammate, Kyrie Irving, was also shocked by the trade, which sent Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick to the Mavericks.
Both the Lakers and Mavericks are expected to remain active in trade talks before the deadline, with sources confirming that the Lakers are still looking to make further moves. While some analysts, including John Hollinger, see the trade as a potential setback for the Mavericks, others speculate that Doncic could secure a short-term extension with the Lakers to maximize his earnings.
Fans in Dallas were devastated by the move, with one stating, “I’m hoping to wake up from a bad dream,” reflecting the heartbreak of losing Doncic after what seemed like the team’s most promising lineup in years.
