The Los Angeles Lakers are set to begin their 2025-26 NBA campaign in just a few hours. For the first time, the season will begin with Luka Doncic leading the charge. Enough time has passed for people to have made their peace with the blockbuster trade last season, but it still boggles the mind sometimes.
In February of 2025, the Dallas Mavericks GM traded superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and one first-round pick. The deal was so stunning, even those involved had no clue it was happening. Doncic was reportedly distraught, while Davis was shellshocked. And he learned the news from perhaps the most unexpected source.
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Bronny James Jr. was reportedly the one that sent Shams' Luka-AD trade tweet in the Lakers team group chat.
Anthony Davis' reply: "Did these n***** just trade me?"
LeBron James' reply: "WTF?"
Austin Reaves' reply: "Ok guys, AD is bullsh**ing with us."
(via @YaronWeitzman's "A… pic.twitter.com/Rk8nIu6HNn
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 21, 2025
As per Yaron Weitzman’s book, ‘A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers,’ Bronny James shared the Shams Charania post breaking news of the trade in the players’ group chat. The book goes on to reveal that Austin Reaves thought the post was a plan that involved Davis to prank the other players.
Naturally, all hell broke loose in the aftermath. Within days, Davis was out and Doncic was in. It’s too early to say who won the trade, but this season will provide significant insight into that.
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Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis talks with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic after the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The impact of this trade will be felt around the league for years to come. As the 2025-26 season begins, the first real chapter for both stars on their new teams will be extremely exciting for fans to watch.
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