The biggest NBA trade of the 21st century: Luka Dončić to join LeBron James
Ileana Sanchez
Dailysports's expert
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić is set to leave his team and join the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade.
As part of the deal, Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris will head to Los Angeles, while the Lakers will send Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick to Dallas.
According to Shams Charania (ESPN), Utah Jazz is also involved in the trade. The Jazz will receive Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Clippers’ 2025 second-round draft pick, and the Mavericks’ 2025 second-round pick.
A stunning move for Dončić
The 25-year-old Slovenian has spent his entire NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks, joining the team in 2018. This season, he has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. However, he hasn’t played since Christmas due to injury.
Now, Dončić will team up with LeBron James, one of the biggest superstars in modern basketball, to form a formidable Lakers duo.
Why did this trade happen?
Reports suggest that contract negotiations between Dončić and the Mavericks had stalled, prompting Dallas to initiate trade talks with the Lakers.
NBA insider Marc Stein claims that Dončić was not informed in advance about the trade before it was finalized.
