Lakers Pull Off Blockbuster Trade, Acquiring Luka Dončić in Three-Team Deal
In a stunning move, the Los Angeles Lakers have secured one of the NBA’s brightest stars, acquiring five-time First Team All-NBA guard Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in a major three-team trade. Along with Dončić, the Lakers will receive forward/center Maxi Kleber and forward/center Markieff Morris from Dallas.
In exchange, the Lakers are sending star forward Anthony Davis, promising guard Max Christie, and a future first-round pick to the Mavericks. Additionally, guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and a future second-round pick are heading to the Utah Jazz as part of the deal.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka’s Statement: “We are overwhelmingly thankful for AD’s six seasons with the Lakers, where he led our franchise to a championship and cemented himself as a perennial NBA All-Star,” said Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka.
“We are proud of Max Christie’s development as a Laker, and we appreciate the professionalism Jalen Hood-Schifino has shown at every level. Sports are about transformative moments, and we are inspired by the new era of greatness that Luka Dončić will help usher in for our franchise.”
Pelinka went on to praise Dončić’s unparalleled talent: “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.”
Luka Dončić’s Impressive Career: At just 25 years old, Dončić is already a five-time All-NBA First Team selection, joining elite company alongside Kevin Durant and Tim Duncan as one of only three players to achieve this feat before the age of 26.
Over his career, Dončić has racked up 12,089 points, 3,655 rebounds, and 3,489 assists. He is only the second player in NBA history to reach 10,000 points, 3,000 rebounds, and 3,000 assists through their first 400 career games, joining Oscar Robertson in this rare club.
Dončić’s performance in the 2023-24 season was nothing short of spectacular. He claimed his first NBA scoring title with an average of 33.9 points per game and made history by scoring a franchise-record 73 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. This season, he continues to dominate, averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.
Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris Join the Lakers: Alongside Dončić, the Lakers also acquire Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. Kleber, a versatile forward, brings solid defense and rebounding, having played 34 games for Dallas this season. Morris, a seasoned veteran, adds leadership and depth to the roster, with over 780 career games in the NBA, including playoff experience with several teams, including the Lakers during the 2020-21 season.
The Departure of Anthony Davis: In return, the Lakers part ways with Anthony Davis, a key figure in the team’s 2020 NBA championship win. Davis has been a dominant force for Los Angeles, averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.1 blocks this season. His departure marks the end of a six-year tenure with the Lakers, where Davis earned four All-Star selections and established himself as one of the league’s premier defenders.
Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino, both promising young players, will also leave the Lakers, heading to the Mavericks and Jazz, respectively. Christie, in particular, showed potential as a 3-and-D player, while Hood-Schifino, the Lakers’ 17th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has seen limited action over the past two seasons.
Looking Ahead: This trade positions the Lakers to contend for championships with Luka Dončić at the helm, as they aim to build around their new superstar and compete in the ever-competitive Western Conference. With a core led by Dončić and the addition of Kleber and Morris, the Lakers are poised for a new era of success.
