Anthony Davis Stunned by Luka Dončić Trade Announcement

On Feb. 1, 2025 Anthony Davis described being blindsided when news circulated that he had been traded for Luka Dončić. He recounted the night on The Draymond Green Show and later spoke to media via Filmogaz.com. The moment left Davis stunned and searching for explanations.

How Davis learned about the deal

Davis said his agent, Rich Paul, was the first to call with the news. While on that call, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison rang and spoke directly to Davis.

Joel Embiid also phoned Davis shortly before the trade reached the public. Social media confirmed the transaction at 11:12 p.m. CT, and Davis’ phone quickly filled with messages.

Trade terms and immediate reactions

The Mavericks sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The move occurred roughly eight months after Dallas’ NBA Finals appearance.

Both key players were injured when the swap happened. Dončić displayed visible surprise when the Lakers later introduced him at their practice facility.

Injuries and short stints

Davis was recovering from an abdominal strain at the time of the trade. He debuted for Dallas on Feb. 8, 2025 and left that game with a left adductor strain.

That adductor injury was the first of four he dealt with during a year-long stay in Dallas. That stint ended when he was traded to the Washington Wizards in February.

Dončić’s status

Dončić was recuperating from a left calf strain when the deal took place. He had helped the Lakers reach the playoffs last spring, where they lost in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In the offseason, Dončić lost weight and emerged as an MVP candidate. He later suffered a left hamstring injury in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Playing time and outlook

Davis totaled 20 games this season before sidelining with a left hand injury in January. He said the sudden trade announcement made little immediate sense to him.

On the podcast, Davis expressed disappointment at how the Lakers handled the situation near the end of his nearly six-year tenure. He highlighted the 2020 championship he won alongside LeBron James.

The phrase Anthony Davis Stunned by Luka Dončić Trade Announcement captured the shock felt across the league. Davis’ full comments are available on The Draymond Green Show podcast.