NEW YORK – In a jaw-dropping trade that is set to alter the Western Conference for years, the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz have reached a three-team agreement, swapping Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic, sources informed ESPN’s Shams Charania late Saturday night.
L.A. will receive Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris from the Mavericks, sources confirmed. Meanwhile, Dallas will acquire Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick.
The Jazz are set to receive Jalen Hood-Schifino, along with the Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick and the Mavs’ 2025 second-round pick.
“I believe that defense wins championships,” Mavs GM Nico Harrison told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, explaining the motivation behind trading Doncic for Davis. “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”
Sources revealed that the Mavericks initiated the trade discussions a few days ago. Harrison and Lakers VP Rob Pelinka have a longstanding relationship dating back to when Harrison was Kobe Bryant’s marketing manager at Nike and Pelinka served as Bryant’s agent.
The Lakers’ front office, ownership, and coaching staff were united in their excitement to secure the young superstar Doncic, understanding that such a move requires substantial investment in the NBA.
Lakers star LeBron James learned about the trade while dining with his family after Saturday’s win against the New York Knicks, according to sources close to James. James was reportedly surprised, processing the news, and had no prior knowledge of the trade discussions. Both Davis and Doncic were also not informed ahead of time, sources added.
Frustration over Doncic’s conditioning played a role in the trade, sources told MacMahon. The organization had concerns about his lack of discipline regarding diet and fitness, which were linked to his recurring injuries.
Doncic has missed 22 games this season due to various injuries, including two calf strains since late September. His weight also reportedly ballooned to the high 260s early in the season, contributing to concerns about his fitness.
The trade has significant implications, as it’s the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA players have been traded for each other midseason, according to Elias.
The Lakers and Mavericks will face each other twice more this season, on Feb. 25 in Los Angeles and on April 9 in Dallas.
The New York Knicks ruled forward OG Anunoby out for the remainder of Saturday’s 128-112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers after he injured his right foot in the third quarter.
Anunoby hurt his foot during a transition play when he awkwardly planted his right foot after catching the ball at the 3-point line. He stumbled over without contact, prompting Coach Tom Thibodeau to call a timeout. The crowd at Madison Square Garden fell silent as Anunoby fell, with teammate Karl-Anthony Towns immediately checking on him.
Earlier in the game, Anunoby had left the bench area briefly during the second quarter but returned before halftime. Thibodeau explained that Anunoby had been examined by the medical staff during that time.
“He went to get checked for something at the end of the half,” Thibodeau said post-game. “He got X-rays, and the tests were negative, but we’re not sure about an MRI.”
Anunoby, who missed much of last season due to a hamstring injury, had signed a five-year, $212 million extension with the Knicks during the offseason. The 27-year-old has been crucial to the team’s success, and New York has had a 52-19 record with him in the lineup, compared to a 30-29 record without him.
“We’re obviously praying for the best, but I know as much as you guys do right now,” All-Star guard Jalen Brunson said. “He’s huge for our team, so we’re just praying for the best.”
If Anunoby were to miss significant time, it could put more strain on an already overburdened Knicks lineup, as Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and Anunoby are ranked among the top three in total minutes played this season.
