The Los Angeles Lakers just completed what will be considered one of the most significant trades in modern NBA history. They landed Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris by sending Max Christie and Anthony Davis with a second-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks, with the Utah Jazz involved as a third team receiving Jalen Hood-Schifino.
Dave McMenamin has revealed that the Lakers didn't tell LeBron James before making the deal to acquire Doncic, with the 40-year-old star still processing the move.
"LeBron James learned of the Davis-Doncic trade after the Knicks game when it broke while he was out to dinner with his family, sources close to James told ESPN. James was surprised by the news, is processing it and had no idea it was in the works, sources said."
This is a mind-boggling deal, with the Mavericks being motivated to make this deal for a number of reasons. Doncic didn't ask for a trade, but the Mavericks offered him up to the Lakers to try and get Anthony Davis. Mavs GM Nico Harrison took a shot at Luka after trading him away, claiming 'defense wins championships.'
“I believe that defense wins championships. I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”
ESPN's Tim MacMahon revealed that the Mavericks were concerned about Doncic as their long-term star due to his conditioning issues and the fact that they have to give him a supermax contract in the summer.
"The Mavs had major concerns about moving forward with Luka Doncic due to his constant conditioning issues and the looming commitment of another supermax contract extension this summer, sources told ESPN."
The Lakers will have to adjust their roster on the fly for this season, with Doncic likely taking the reigns of the franchise's No. 1 star from LeBron James. LeBron has been a big admirer of Doncic for years and will now get to see his magic play out on the court alongside him.
Doncic is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists this season. Davis is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
