What initially seemed unthinkable has evolved into one of the most consequential NBA roster moves in recent years, altering the trajectory of two Western Conference franchises in dramatically different ways.
The Los Angeles Lakers stunned the basketball world by trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic.
The move has propelled the Lakers to second place in the Western Conference, establishing them as legitimate title contenders behind the formidable pairing of LeBron James and Doncic.
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss recently shed light on the behind-the-scenes factors that led to the surprising trade.
“Anthony Davis was complaining about where he was being played and he wasn’t happy. So I think this was a positive for both teams. They got what they were looking for, we got what we were looking for,” Buss told NPR, via NBACentral.
Jeanie Buss says Anthony Davis wasn’t happy
“We have lost the last three years in a row to the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs, and we really didn't have anything that was going to look different going into the playoffs again. Anthony Davis was complaining about where he was… pic.twitter.com/jiUTo9uI4t
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 5, 2025
Her candid comments revealed that Davis had grown increasingly dissatisfied with his role in Los Angeles.
Coupled with recurring playoff struggles against the Denver Nuggets, Buss determined that a major shakeup was necessary to change the Lakers’ championship fortunes.
Despite the business decision, there appears to be no lingering resentment toward Davis.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks find themselves fighting just to secure a play-in tournament berth.
Davis made his Dallas debut on Feb. 8 but hasn’t played since due to an adductor strain.
The situation has grown more dire following Kyrie Irving’s season-ending ACL tear, raising questions about whether Davis will return before the regular season ends.
Though some around the league questioned why the Mavericks limited their trade discussions exclusively to the Lakers, Buss maintains that the arrangement benefited all parties involved, at least in theory.
As the regular season winds down, time will tell which team ultimately gained the upper hand in this franchise-altering exchange.
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