The NBA world is still recovering from one of the most shocking trades in league history. In a move no one saw coming (except maybe LeGM), the Dallas Mavericks sent Luka Dončić — arguably a top-three player in the world — to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. It was a franchise-altering decision that left Mavs fans stunned and scrambling for answers.
For years, Dončić was the face of the franchise, carrying Dallas deep into the playoffs and establishing himself as one of the most dominant offensive forces in the game. Last season, he led the Mavericks to an NBA Finals appearance, and while they fell short, few expected Dallas to blow it all up.
The move didn’t just shock fans; it sent ripples across the league. Players, analysts, and executives alike have been trying to make sense of the trade, including two of the NBA’s brightest stars — Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama.
Nikola Jokić Shares His Thoughts on the Luka Donic and Anthony Davis Trade
When asked by Mavs beat writer Mike Curtis about his close friend Dončić being traded and how it affects the landscape of the league, Jokić replied by saying:
“I think both teams win. In my opinion, I think Luka is a generational player, generational talent. I’m not saying that AD [Anthony Davis] is not, I’m just saying I think Luka is somebody… he was building something there. I think he was hurt. But I think it’s good because people and maybe players will take it more seriously, as a trade isn’t such a big thing. But if you traded someone like that, I think it becomes a bit of a big thing.”
Asked Nikola Jokic about his good friend Luka Doncic being traded to the Lakers:
“He was building something there. He was hurt.”
Is it weird not having Luka at All-Star festivities?
“It’s weird because we always have a good night before the game.” pic.twitter.com/e2RMjljcuU
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) February 15, 2025
Victor Wembanyama Feels for Mavericks Fans
Curtis also asked Wembanyama for his thoughts on the Dončić-Davis trade, and even Wemby said he noticed the emotional toll the trade had on Dallas fans:
“I’ve watched games of both Lakers and Mavs ever since it happened. But what I remember from it, what really strikes me is how the Mavs fans are hurting, how they feel. It’s something that I think is a really strong emotion. Otherwise, I think Mavs are still contenders, Lakers are still contenders, it’s very competitive, they traded for very good players. It’s interesting, we’ll see how it goes, but two weeks after, it’s still the craziest trade I’ve seen.”
Asked Victor Wembanyama about the Luka-AD trade and the outlook of this new version of the #Mavs given they’re in the same division as the #Spurs:
“What really strikes me is how the Mavs fans are hurting…Two weeks after, it’s still the craziest trade I’ve ever seen.” pic.twitter.com/HYxcJOUBED
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) February 15, 2025
LeBron Is Loving Life While the Fallout in Dallas Continues
While the Lakers are celebrating their new superstar duo, the fallout in Dallas is just beginning. Reports have recently surfaced that general manager Nico Harrison doesn’t want to remain in his role long-term, raising even more questions about the Mavericks’ decision-making. If their own front office is uncertain about the move, what does that say about their long-term vision?
Meanwhile, LeBron James finally spoken about playing alongside Dončić, calling him his “favorite player in the NBA for a while now.” Both teams are thinking about titles, but the Mavericks are left with a lot of doubt about their future. Whether this trade will go down as a genius move or one of the worst in franchise history remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: No one saw this coming…except maybe LeGM.
