Nobody was expecting this. The Dallas Mavericks, finalists of the 2024/2025 NBA season, decided to trade their Slovenian point guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, they get Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round draft pick in 2029. The trade was considered by many as the most astonishing one in the 21st century, because Luka Doncic is 25 years old, and also because NBA franchises usually rely on their best players.
One video can sum up how surprised people were after the announcement of the trade Doncic-Davis: Kevin Durant, stuck on the bench of the Phoenix Suns, is looking at his smartphone and learns about the latest trade between the Lakers and the Mavs. Shell-shocked, the American forward looks at his teammates and looks at his phone again. He opens the mouth and remains motionless. He cannot believe what he is seeing. And yet, this did happen. Luka Doncic is leaving his lifelong franchise to join the King in California.
Nico Harrison, general manager of the Mavs, decided to implement this trade because he needed a real defensive asset for his team. AD is a talented offensive and defensive player who will bring a lot to Dallas. In Texas, everyone was recognizing Doncic’s talent, but some issues were beginning to bring frustration as well: the Slovenian point guard is not the best defender of the league, and this in a euphemism. Besides, Doncic’s behavior towards referees can be questioned, without forgetting the fact that his life hygiene can be improved.
With Davis, Thompson and Irving, the Mavs do have the experience and the talent. Players like Washington, Gafford and Christie can bring something as well. In Los Angeles, the association between LeBron James and Luka Doncic is already arousing curiosity and envy. The future will tell us who made the best choice.