Luka Doncic To The Lakers, Maverick Optimistic Of Joining Anthony Davis

Luka Doncic anchored to the LA Lakers (Instagram @lukadoncic)

JAKARTA - LA Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz have agreed on a major decision with the NBA's horrendous exchange of players. The Lakers officially brought Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris from Mavericks, while Dallas brought Anthony Davis, Max Christie, as well as the 2029 Lakers' first round draft rights.

The Utah Jazz, which is also involved in this exchange, received Jalen Hood-Schifino, the draft rights for the second round of LA Clippers 2025, and the draft rights for the second round of Mavericks 2025.

This exchange marks a historic moment in the NBA as for the first time two All-NBA players swapped teams in the middle of the season.

"I believe the defense won the championship," said Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison, citing ANTARA from ESPN, Sunday, February 2.

"Getting a center with the ability to survive in the class of All-Defensive and All-NBA players with defensive mentality gives us a better chance to win, both now and in the future."

The exchange negotiations began a few days ago on the Dallas Mavericks initiative. The close relationship between Harrison and Rob Pelinka, General Manager of the Lakers, which has been established since they worked together for Kobe Bryant, accelerated the deal process.

The news of this exchange shocked many, including Lakers star LeBron James. James learned of the news during a dinner with his family after the Lakers' win against the Knicks.

A nearby source said that James was shocked because he did not know about the negotiation process. Neither Davis nor Doncic were notified before the deal was announced.

Mavericks decided to release Doncic due to concerns over his physical condition. ESPN mentions that there is frustration within the Mavericks organization regarding Doncic's discipline in maintaining diet and fitness, which is considered to contribute to his injury problems.

Despite appearing in better physical condition when entering the training camp, Doncic's weight increased again to reach 117 kg at the start of this season.

He even missed five games last November on the grounds of an wrist injury, but was actually used to focus on fitness.

Since the start of the season, Doncic has only appeared in 22 games due to various injuries, including repeated calf injuries. Meanwhile, Davis has missed the Lakers' last two games due to a stomach muscle injury and is scheduled to undergo a re-evaluation in the near future.