The Lakers stunned the NBA by trading for Luka Dončić, but Anthony Davis was just as surprised to be sent to Dallas. Here’s what both stars had to say about the blockbuster deal.
Luka Dončić Joins Lakers, Anthony Davis “Shocked” by Trade to Mavs
Luka Dončić is officially a Los Angeles Laker, and he couldn’t be more excited to team up with LeBron James.
Speaking at his introductory press conference on Tuesday after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks, Dončić called it “just like a dream come true” to be on the same team as the NBA legend.
“I always looked up to him. … It’s an amazing feeling,” Dončić said. He also took a moment to honor the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi, adding, “I wish Kobe and Gigi were here to see this moment.”
Anthony Davis “Shocked” by Trade to Mavs
Luka wasn’t the only one caught off guard by the trade—Anthony Davis was just as stunned to learn he had been shipped to Dallas.
Speaking to reporters during the Mavs’ shootaround in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Davis admitted, “I was shocked” when he found out about the trade.
Now, he’s set to form a new duo in Dallas alongside Kyrie Irving, something he says he’s “very excited” about.
“Me and [Kyrie] talked about this, I think, in 2018 when I asked for a trade from New Orleans,” Davis revealed. “He was in Boston at the time. He ended up leaving and going to Brooklyn. But we have wanted to play alongside each other for a very long time. Now, we have an opportunity to do so.”
Davis also explained why he waived his $6 million trade bonus to make the deal happen.
Anthony Davis on his initial reaction to the trade:
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) February 4, 2025
“I was shocked. I didn’t know. I was actually at home, about to watch a movie with my wife and got the phone call. I had no idea….Now I’m kind of over it and just getting ready to play with Dallas.” pic.twitter.com/IVdzsHFzGA
“Trying to help the team,” Davis said. “Obviously, you always want to get better, [and] losing a monumental piece like Luka … it’s a lot, right? So I’m just trying to do my part and help Nico [Harrison] and the organization on how we can continuously get better.”
A Trade Kept Under Wraps
It’s no exaggeration to say that almost no one saw this trade coming.
According to ESPN, even Utah Jazz CEO Danny Ainge—whose team was a third-party facilitator in the deal—”didn’t know Dončić and Davis were a part of the trade until about an hour before it was completed.”
The Lakers kept things so locked down that even LeBron James didn’t know about the trade until he was out with family and friends in New York City after Saturday’s game against the Knicks.
Also read: DeWanna Bonner Chooses Indiana Fever in Surprise Free Agency Move
Adjusting to a New Team
While Dončić is excited about his new chapter, he admitted the trade hit him hard.
“That first day was really hard … I feel like the last 48 hours was one month,” he said.
He also shared his emotional reaction to leaving Dallas, where he thought he’d spend his whole career.
“I thought I was gonna stay my whole career there. Loyalty is a big word for me… [But] I got the ocean here. I get to play for the Lakers. Not many get to say that.”
Davis, meanwhile, seems to be embracing his fresh start in Dallas, but fans will have to wait a little longer for his debut. He’s recovering from an abdominal strain suffered in a January 28 loss to the 76ers and could return Thursday against the Celtics or Saturday against the Rockets.
Why Did Dallas Trade Dončić?
When asked why the Mavericks moved him, Dončić didn’t have an answer.
“They made a decision. I don’t know why,” he said.
He also shared how he found out about the trade:
“I was asleep. … I had to check my phone to see if it was April 1st.”
Dallas GM Nico Harrison confirmed that the Lakers were the only team he negotiated with about trading Dončić. He also made it clear that Dončić never asked to leave or refused to sign an extension. Dončić backed that up, saying, “Absolutely not” when asked if he told the team he wouldn’t re-sign.
Also Read: Big NBA Trades Shake Up Teams Before Deadline
What Went Wrong in Dallas?
Reports suggest that behind the scenes, Dallas was growing frustrated with Dončić.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, “The Mavs’ relationship with Dončić was more fractured than anyone comprehended.”
One major factor? Money. Dončić was eligible for a record-breaking five-year, $345 million contract extension this summer. But according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Mavs were “terrified of a supermax commitment.” His ongoing conditioning struggles also reportedly caused “major concerns” within the organization.
What’s Next for Luka and AD?
Now, Dončić is looking forward to his future with the Lakers. He gets to play with LeBron, chase championships in L.A., and enjoy life by the ocean.
Davis, on the other hand, is ready to take on a new role in Dallas alongside Kyrie Irving. With the Mavs struggling—losing 13 of their last 19 games—Dallas hopes AD’s arrival can turn things around.
One thing’s for sure: This blockbuster trade has completely shaken up the NBA, and fans will be watching closely to see how both stars adjust to their new homes.
Also Read: Luka Dončić Joins Lakers: “A Dream Come True” to Play with LeBron