Lakers’ LeBron James Slams Rumors Around Anthony Davis, Luka Doncic Trade
21-time Los Angeles Lakers All-Star power forward LeBron James has weighed in on a CBS Sports report that he “had grown frustrated with Anthony Davis” ahead of L.A.’s shocking late-night Saturday trade for the 10-time All-Star center/power forward in exchange for Dallas Mavericks superstar guard Luka Doncic.
Davis, starting shooting guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first round draft pick were flipped to the Mavericks for Doncic, power forward/center Maxi Kleber, and deep-bench power forward Markieff Morris, a former Lakers champion with Davis and James in 2020.
Read More: Lakers Land Luka Doncic in Blockbuster Trade with Mavericks for Anthony Davis
The deal was later expanded to include the Utah Jazz. Per Shams Charania of ESPN, the full agreement also sees L.A. ditch 2023 first round pick Jalen Hood-Schifino and the Mavericks offload their 2025 second round selection from the Clippers and their own 2025 second rounder.
Yes, this is real. Sources tell ESPN: Full trade:
– Lakers: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
– Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 LAL 1st
– Jazz: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Clippers 2nd, 2025 Mavericks 2nd https://t.co/bltojdTaQj
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 2, 2025
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
It was a stunning deal, and one that totally transforms both teams.
The Mavericks become perhaps a more complete team short-term, while losing the better player in a deal.
Read More: NBA World Reacts to Shocking Lakers, Mavericks Trade Swap of Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis
For the Lakers, long-term, it represents a massive upgrade over the aging Davis. In Doncic, Los Angeles adds a young superstar in his prime at age 25, who just led his last club to an NBA Finals appearance last season.
Read More: Lakers Reportedly Didn’t Tell LeBron James About Anthony Davis Trade Ahead of Time
This story will be updated…
