Over the weekend, the Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA by trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers to acquire star player Anthony Davis In the three-team trade with the Utah Jazz, the Mavericks sent Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The Jazz are receiving Lakers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2025 Los Angeles Clippers second-round pick (from the Lakers) and a 2025 second-round pick from the Mavericks.

ESPN’s Shams Charania, who first reported the trade late Saturday night wrote: “BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Three-team deal that includes Utah …. Yes, this is real. Sources tell ESPN: Full trade: – Lakers: Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris – Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 LAL 1st – Jazz: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Clippers 2nd, 2025 Mavericks 2nd”

Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon: “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.”

Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager, said in a statement released by the team Sunday: “Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come. His killer instincts and commitment to winning championships will be a driving force for the team. We will be relentless in building a roster around the on-court vision Coach Redick has for this basketball team and there is an unwavering commitment to that work to serve our loyal and dedicated fans. We are grateful for today and look forward to what’s next.”

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