Image Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Anthony Davis trade: Why Anthony Davis was traded by Lakers?

Davis is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists this season.

Image Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

In a trade that stunned the NBA world, the Los Angeles Lakers have sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. The deal came together in the final hours, leaving the NBA community in shock.

LeBron James reportedly learned about the trade after the Lakers’ recent win over the New York Knicks, while having dinner with his family. Davis, the centerpiece of the Lakers’ championship run in 2020, was also unaware of the trade before it broke, with some reports suggesting Davis was still trying to process the move after hearing about it.

“This deal materialized in the shadows … LeBron James had no idea this was coming. Anthony Davis had no idea this was coming. I’m told Luka Doncic is still stunned about this trade.”@ShamsCharania on the Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic trade between the Lakers and Mavericks pic.twitter.com/Hp4bL3UX2M
— ESPN (@espn) February 2, 2025

Why the Lakers traded Anthony Davis

The decision to trade Anthony Davis reportedly came after growing tension between Davis and the Lakers’ management, particularly following his recent sit-down interview with ESPN, in which Davis expressed his desire to play more at the power forward position and urged the team to acquire a true center.

“I think we need another Big,” Davis said. “I feel I’ve always been at my best when I was being a four.”

Early word on all of this:

Apparently a rift had been forming between Anthony Davis and Lakers management, especially after his sit-down interview with ESPN.

This trade JUST came together in the last few hours with nobody around the league knowing about it.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) February 2, 2025

Davis’ final game as Laker came in a loss to Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, where he was forced to leave the game early after suffering an abdominal injury. The 31-year-old scored 4 points and got 2 rebounds before the injury abruptly ended his stay.

Also Read:

Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade breakdown

According to Bobby Marks, trade sees the Los Angeles Lakers acquire Luka Doncic, who is currently making $43 million this season with player options for $46 million and $48.9 million in the following years.

Doncic, eligible for a five-year, $229 million extension this summer, comes alongside Maxi Kleber, who is earning $11 million this season and next, and Markieff Morris, who has a $2.1 million contract for one year.

In exchange, the Dallas Mavericks receive Anthony Davis, whose contract runs at $43.2 million this season, and escalates to $54.1 million, $58.5 million, and $62.8 million in the following years, with player options. The Mavs also receive Max Christie, whose deal is worth $7.1 million this season, and the 2029 first-round pick from the Lakers.

Anthony Davis

Dallas Mavericks

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic

Swati Bhatia

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I work as a content strategist, specializing in creating engaging content about the NBA, WNBA, and MLB. My main focus is on writing breaking news updates, research-based articles, and covering trending topics. Right now, I’m leading the content team for the NBA, WNBA, and MLB categories at Playoffs English.