The Mavericks have expressed a desire to strengthen their defense, the Lakers want to improve their offensive abilities along the perimeter.
Doncic, who has spent seven seasons with the Mavericks, is eager to start a new chapter in Los Angeles alongside LeBron James.
In a press conference, Doncic said, “It was a big shock. Dallas was home, so it was really hard for me. But now I get to play in the greatest club in the world, and I’m really excited for this new journey.”
During the 2023-24 season, Doncic averaged 28.1 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists per game, with a free throw percentage of 74%. In 2020, he recorded the second-highest scoring average at 24.2 points per game and achieved 21 of his franchise-record 25 triple-doubles before turning 21.
Despite Doncic’s excitement, the city of Dallas mourned the loss of their superstar. On Feb. 2nd, Mavericks fans held a “funeral” outside the American Airlines Center to honor Doncic over the past seven years.
While Dallas fans struggle with the departure of Doncic, they welcome the arrival of Anthony Davis. Davis, who played a pivotal role for the Lakers over five seasons, won a championship in his first year with the team.
Davis expressed his excitement about joining the Mavericks and his aim to achieve “something special.” Last season, he averaged 25.7 points per game, with a 52% field goal percentage and a 29.8% three-point percentage. Davis is a nine-time NBA All-Star and a three-time NBA blocks leader (2014, 2015, 2018).
In an interview with ESPN, Davis said, “Obviously you always want to get better, and losing a monumental piece like Luka… it’s a lot, right? So I’m just trying to do my part and help Nico and the organization continuously improve.”
Teammates are still coming to terms with the trade. In an interview with ESPN, Lebron James said, “It didn’t seem real until I saw Luka today and a clip of AD at shootaround. That’s when it finally hit me.” James also said that the trade caught him slightly off guard.
Andrew Loyd, a junior at Eaton High School, said, “The Lakers will benefit more from the trade because Luka is a young superstar that they will have for a long time.”
This midseason trade marks the first time in NBA history that two current All-NBA players have been exchanged. Fans and followers are eager to see how both teams will do in the rest of the season.
