Image Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Mavericks’ Klay Thompson compares Luka Doncic trade to LeBron James’ stunning move from 2010

Doncic, a five-time NBA All-Star joined the Mavericks in 2018.

Image Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The NBA world hasn’t still come to terms with the shocking trade deal that sent the Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for power forward Anthony Davis.

Ever since the deal was made official, several NBA stars including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Magic Johnson and others have expressed their thoughts on this unexpected trade.

Notably, NBA fanatics across the world were left in shock when the Mavericks agreed to trade Doncic to the Lakers in a move that also included the Utah Jazz.

While Doncic along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris head to LA, the Mavs will get Max Christie, 2029 first-round draft pick along with their big man Davis. The five-time NBA All-Star joined the Mavericks in 2018, and while he is out of action for quite some time, Luka maintains an excellent average of 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists.

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Hours after announcing the trade, the Mavs were in action against the Eastern Conference table toppers Cavaliers, where they registered a 144-101 blowout loss. Klay Thompson, who finished the night with two points, five rebounds and three assists, addressed the trade move and emphasized on remaining professional.

“I wish Luka the best. It was a joy to play with him in those 22 games we were together, but we’re obviously going to welcome AD with open arms,” Thompson told the media.

“It’s the nature of the business, obviously you have to be professional with all things in front of you. I look forward to keeping the goal the same,” he continued.

Klay Thompson compares Doncic’s move to LeBron’s 2019 jaw-dropping trade

While sharing his views on the trade of his teammate, Thompson drew a comparison between it and the trade which included Lebron James. Under the deal, James left the Cavaliers for the Miami Heat in 2010.

“It’s similar to LeBron when he went to Miami,” Thompson opined.

Klay Thompson on the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers:

“I wish Luka the best. It was a joy to play with him in those 22 games we were together, but we’re obviously going to welcome AD with open arms…It’s the nature of the business, obviously you have to be professional… pic.twitter.com/PjqGwnot2O
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) February 2, 2025

“Obviously, that was on his own accord, but still, Luka puts up similar numbers to LeBron, so he’s a franchise player, and I’m sure he’ll enjoy the sunshine in Cali,” the 34-year-old concluded.

Anthony Davis

Dallas Mavericks

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.