The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines with a blockbuster move, trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić. Months later, the shock of the deal still lingers across the NBA.
Though the trade promised fresh starts for both franchises, the immediate results were underwhelming. The Mavericks failed to reach the playoffs, and Davis—limited to just nine games—averaged 20 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per contest. Meanwhile, Dončić struggled defensively in the Lakers’ postseason series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, drawing criticism for his performance on that end of the floor.
Neither team ended the season satisfied, but the Lakers are optimistic they’ve secured a long-term cornerstone. With Dončić just entering his prime, Los Angeles believes it now has the face of its franchise for the next decade.
Davis, for his part, was clearly unhappy with the move. In interviews following the trade, he didn’t hide his frustration. His comments about wanting to play alongside a true center reportedly influenced the Lakers’ decision. Team owner Jeanie Buss confirmed as much.
Los Angeles Lakers Give Anthony Davis a Cold-Shoulder Before Unceremoniously Trading Him
In an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Buss discussed Davis’ remarks and the aftermath of the trade:
“I haven’t seen him face-to-face, and I look forward to in the offseason. But you know, you have to remember that he’s now under contract with another team. We’ve had too many instances of people accusing us of tampering, so I have to be really careful with stuff like that.”
Despite the awkward exit, Buss emphasized her desire to properly acknowledge Davis’ contributions. She hopes to meet with him this summer and smooth things over, even if the moment has passed for a more graceful send-off.
Davis was instrumental in the Lakers’ 2020 championship run inside the NBA bubble—a title that remains a highlight of his tenure in Los Angeles. Given his role in that historic season, many feel he deserves a proper farewell.
As both organizations move forward, the focus shifts to what’s next. The Lakers will build around Dončić, while the Mavericks—winners of the NBA Draft Lottery—now hold the coveted No. 1 overall pick.