The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks felt bold toward the end of the 2024-25 trade season.
The two Western Conference franchises felt compelled to pull off a blockbuster that no one saw coming. In the blockbuster deal, the Lakers sent Anthony Davis to the Mavericks for Luka Doncic.
At the time, it was unclear who won the trade, as both superstars featured in the shocking transaction had proven they could be organization-bolstering assets who aren’t strangers to competing in the NBA Finals (Davis won a title with the Lakers in 2020, and Doncic reached the 2024 NBA Finals with the Mavericks in 2024 before falling to the Boston Celtics).
However, it became clear that Luka Doncic and the Lakers ultimately got the last laugh, as the Mavericks recently gave up on Davis after less than two seasons.
“BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to the Washington Wizards for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2 first-round picks, and 3 second-rounders,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on X/Twitter Wednesday.
“Dallas is receiving a 2026 Thunder first-round pick and a 2030 protected Warriors first-round pick in this deal from the Wizards, along with second-rounders in 2026 (Phoenix Suns ), 2027 (Chicago Bulls), and 2029 (Houston Rockets), sources tell ESPN.”
While Davis is on the move again, Doncic is enjoying life as a recently acquired Lakers star. The six-time All-Star has been performing at an MVP-caliber level with Los Angeles, which explains why the Lakers have remained afloat without Reaves in the lineup for several contests (calf injury).
Doncic is averaging 33.4 points, 8.7 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game this season, shooting 47.5% from the field and 34.8% from three-point land in 41 contests with the Lakers.
There’s no question that Doncic and the 17-time NBA champions should be deemed winners of last year’s historic deal.
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