Every year, the NBA sees a trade that completely changes the league’s landscape and that’s exactly what happened on Feb 2. The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers completely shocked the basketball world by trading their superstars, Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis.
To fans across the world, Dončić was the face of the Mavericks, while Davis had been a key part of the Lakers’ success alongside LeBron James. But both teams felt the need for change. “The Lakers needed to add… since they got rid of Anthony Davis; they need to add in another center,” Bishop Gorman social studies teacher Mr. Kevin Nixon said.
While this trade is historic for the NBA, superstar swaps are not unheard of. Over the years, teams have exchanged key players in hopes of creating championship-winning rosters. The Lakers, in particular, have a history of making big moves, when they traded Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and a few first-round draft picks for Anthony Davis back in 2019 to later win a championship with LeBron in 2020.
The trade was officially completed after discussions between the two teams’ front offices. Dončić was sent to the Lakers along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks received Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick. The Lakers believe the young star will lead them into the post-LeBron era, while the Mavericks hope Davis’ defensive presence can help them compete for a title. “I think they (the Lakers) have a better chance… their whole team is better overall and it takes a lot of pressure off Lebron,” Nick Jefferson ‘25 said.
Stats show that Dončić has been one of the most dominant offensive players in the league, averaging 33.9 PPG last season. Meanwhile, Davis has been a defensive powerhouse, ranking among the top shot-blockers in the NBA. Some fans are very skeptical about how the move will work out. “I did think it was a good trade, especially for the Lakers… I think they will have more offensive ability, especially with Luka,” Kameron Cooper ‘27 said.
While some might see this trade as just another roster change, it has already made an impact. Fans are eager to see Dončić in purple and gold and Davis on the Mavs. No matter how the season plays out, it will be remembered as the biggest trade in NBA history.
