5-time All-NBA first team star Luka Doncic has been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. On February 2nd, ESPN analyst Shams Charania announced a blockbuster deal sending Luka Doncic to the Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Mavericks. The full trade consisted of Dallas offering Luka Doncic, Markieff Morris and Maxi Kleber in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first round draft pick. The Jazz were also a part of this deal; they essentially received two second round picks and Jalen Hood-Schifino for nothing in return.

The deal has fans and experts alike stunned as to why the Mavericks would get rid of the young superstar for an aging, injury prone player like Davis. Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison seemingly acted alone in this decision. When he approached majority owner Patrick Dumont about trading Luka, Dumont laughed in his face. However, something must’ve changed in order for Dumont to sign off on the deal. Previous owner and now minority owner Mark Cuban was not made aware of the trade until it was announced, nor was head coach Jason Kidd. Kidd showed visible frustration with the organization for making the deal without his knowledge in his first press conference after the trade was completed.

The Mavericks organization defended making the trade because they were worried about Luka’s recent health and conditioning as he had gained 40 pounds since the end of last season. However, Luka was still putting up amazing numbers before a left calf strain which has had him out since December 27th. There is no forsure timetable as to when Doncic can make his debut for the Lakers; some say it could be as late as after the NBA All-Star break. 

Some call this deal the “craziest deal in NBA history” and for good reason. Most ESPN analysts believe the Lakers won the trade, however some analysts like Kendrick Perkins believe Dallas won the deal stating, “AD (Anthony Davis) and Kyrie will be special!”