In a stunning late-night move, the Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. This unexpected trade has sent shockwaves across the NBA, as Dončić was seen as the franchise player for the Mavericks, with many expecting him to remain with the team for his entire career.

Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison confirmed the deal, citing a focus on defensive improvement as the primary reason for the move. “I believe defense wins championships,” he told ESPN, emphasizing that acquiring an elite defensive player like Davis positions the team for both immediate and long-term success.

The trade raises significant questions about the fit of Dončić alongside LeBron James in Los Angeles, as both are ball-dominant players. On the other hand, Dallas now pairs Davis with Kyrie Irving, forming a dynamic duo that could immediately contend in the Western Conference.

Reports suggest financial concerns and Dončić’s conditioning issues played a role in Dallas’ decision, as he was set to receive a massive five-year, $345 million contract extension. Meanwhile, analysts speculate the Lakers may make additional moves to solidify their roster, as they now lack a true big man.

The NBA world is still reeling from the trade, with many struggling to comprehend Dallas’ decision to part ways with a 25-year-old superstar widely considered a future MVP. This trade marks a pivotal moment for both franchises, with massive implications for the league’s balance of power.

The 31-year-old Davis, now a 10-time All-Star, is sidelined with an abdominal strain, and the 25-year-old Doncic, a five-time All-Star, has been out since Christmas with a strained left calf. Both are expected back in the lineup this month.

ESPN first reported details of the trade. The deal comes just ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

The Lakers get one of the league’s best young players who is just entering his prime years. Doncic finished third in last season’s MVP voting and led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals, where they lost to Boston in a five-game series. Before his calf injury on Christmas, Doncic averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists and shot 46.4% from the field and 35.4% on 3-pointers this season.

Doncic is one of the league’s most gifted offensive players, and he gives the Lakers offensive help now alongside James in Los Angeles coach JJ Redick’s offense, and he gives the Lakers another face of the franchise, especially when the 40-year-old James decides to retire.

Davis provides All-NBA offensive and defensive versatility for Dallas and averages 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.2 steals in 2024-25. He joins a team that features Kyrie Irving and a deep roster with six other players averaging at least 10 points, including Klay Thompson.

Before the start of the 2023-24 season, Davis signed a three-year extension and he is under contract through 2027-28 at $175.3 million. However, he has a player option on the 2027-28 season and can become a free agent in the summer of 2027.

Doncic signed a five-year, $215.1 million contract with the Mavs in 2022. He is under contract through 2026-27 but can become a free agent in the summer of 2026. He is also eligible for an extension this summer.

The Lakers are 28-19 and in fifth place in the West, just one game behind the Denver Nuggets. Dallas is 26-23 and in ninth place in the West – but just 2½ games behind the sixth-place Los Angeles Clippers.