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The trade of Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers has generated an unprecedented level of excitement, resonating not only within the NBA but throughout the global basketball community.
In response to this significant move, Dončić’s original professional team, Real Madrid, which he called home before entering the North American league in 2018, expressed its unwavering support for the Slovenian talent.
“Dear Luka Dončić, we wish you tremendous success and good fortune in this new chapter of your career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout your NBA journey so far, you’ve proven that your potential knows no bounds. All madridistas are immensely proud of you, and we will be there for you as you embark on this new challenge,” stated Real Madrid in a social media message.
A few hours after confirming the trade, Mavericks’ general manager Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd held a press conference discussing Dončić’s exit.
“I’ve tried to get in touch with him, but we haven’t been able to connect,” Kidd acknowledged, indicating the lack of communication between Dončić and the Mavericks following the franchise’s decision to trade him.
Harrison added that Kidd learned about the trade “at the very last moment,” and although he attempted to reach Dončić, his messages went unanswered.
“It seems he might not be interested in speaking with me,” Harrison suggested, indirectly highlighting the Mavericks’ uncertainty regarding offering Dončić a supermax contract.
He elaborated, stating, “There were unique elements in his contract that required our attention. At some point, he would be able to choose whether he wanted to stay here. We had to weigh whether to offer him the supermax or consider his option to opt-out. So we needed to address all of that to avoid a potentially chaotic summer.”
On the opposite end, the Los Angeles Lakers have found a successor to LeBron James and a new cornerstone for their franchise.
According to an official statement: “The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired five-time First Team All-NBA guard Luka Dončić, along with forward/center Maxi Kleber and forward/center Markieff Morris from the Dallas Mavericks in a three-team deal. In exchange, the Lakers sent forward Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie, and a future first-round draft pick to the Mavericks, while guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and a future second-round pick were dispatched to the Utah Jazz.”
“We extend our deepest gratitude to AD for his six years with the Lakers, during which he guided our franchise to a championship and established himself as a consistent NBA All-Star,” remarked Rob Pelinka, Lakers’ General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations. “We take pride in Max Christie’s development into a vital 3-and-D player and appreciate Jalen Hood-Schifino’s professionalism at every stage. Sports are built on transformative moments, and we’re inspired by these instances that Lakers fans cherish, as we continually embrace new eras of excellence.”
“Luka is an extraordinary young global icon who will steer this franchise for many seasons ahead,” Pelinka continued. “His competitive spirit and dedication to winning titles will be crucial for the team’s success. We are committed to constructing a roster that aligns with Coach Redick’s vision for this squad, maintaining a steadfast commitment to serve our loyal fans. We are thankful for today and excited about what lies ahead.”
Dončić is among only three players in league history to earn five All-NBA First Team selections before turning 26, alongside legends Kevin Durant and Tim Duncan. The 25-year-old has recorded 12,089 points, 3,655 rebounds, and 3,489 assists and is one of only two players in NBA history to finish their first 400 career games with at least 10,000 points, 3,000 rebounds, and 3,000 assists (the other being Oscar Robertson). Last season, he became the first Maverick to secure an NBA scoring title, averaging 33.9 points per game. On January 26 of that season, Dončić set a franchise record by scoring 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks, tying for the fourth-most points in a game in NBA history. He currently ranks second all-time in triple-doubles among players aged 25 or younger with 80, trailing only Oscar Robertson (117).
This season, Dončić has participated in 22 games, all as a starter, averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2.0 steals across 35.7 minutes. Throughout his seven-year career with the Mavericks (2018-2025), he has started all 422 regular-season games and averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 34.9 minutes. His average points per game in the regular season ranks third highest in NBA history. In 50 playoff games (all starts), he has put up averages of 30.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.7 steals in 38.9 minutes, achieving an NBA Finals appearance in 2024. The five-time All-Star ranks second all-time in playoff scoring average and is tied for sixth in postseason triple-doubles (10). Dončić was initially selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft before being traded to Dallas, where he began his NBA career. He won the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year award after averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.1 steals over 32.2 minutes.
Kleber has played in 34 games (four starts) for the Mavericks this season, averaging 3.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 18.7 minutes. Over his eight seasons with Dallas (2017-2025), he has appeared in 440 games (151 starts), posting averages of 6.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 22.3 minutes. In 44 playoff games (10 starts), he has averaged 6.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 24.2 minutes. A German native, Kleber went undrafted during the 2014 NBA Draft but signed with the Mavericks prior to the 2017-18 season.
Morris made seven appearances for the Mavericks this season, averaging 1.7 points and 1.1 rebounds in 5.9 minutes. Throughout his 14-year career (covering teams like Dallas, Brooklyn, Miami, and the Lakers), he has played in 783 games (379 starts), averaging 10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 23.4 minutes. He has participated in 51 playoff games (22 starts) and holds averages of 7.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 20.6 minutes. The University of Kansas alumnus was taken by the Phoenix Suns with the 13th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
For the Lakers, Davis has played 42 games (all starts) this season, averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.1 blocks in 34.3 minutes. Over his career spanning 778 regular-season games (771 starts) with Los Angeles (2019-2025) and New Orleans (2012-2019), he has averaged 24.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks in 34.5 minutes. Davis was instrumental in securing the Lakers’ 2020 championship and has achieved four All-Star selections while with the organization. This four-time NBA All-Defensive Team member is one of just eight players in league history who have won an NBA Championship, an NCAA Championship, and an Olympic gold medal.
In 46 appearances (25 starts) for Los Angeles this season, Christie recorded averages of 8.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 25.1 minutes. Across 154 career NBA games (35 starts), the 21-year-old has averaged 5.2 points and 2.2 rebounds over 16.9 minutes. Christie was chosen with the 35th pick in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft by the Lakers.
Hood-Schifino has played in 23 games over the past two seasons with the Lakers, having been drafted by the team with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.
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