Shock trade: Doncic and Davis swap stuns NBA world

The swap of Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis in the NBA was a tremendous surprise. American media emphasise that it has been a long time since there was such a spectacular trade between clubs.

The transaction was announced immediately after the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the New York Knicks. In that game, LeBron James led the Lakers to a 128-112 victory, recording an impressive triple-double. Davis was absent from the Lakers' lineup due to an abdominal injury.

"Without AD, we have to play more team-oriented," James said after the game. As it turned out, the trade of Doncic for Davis was a surprise for the Lakers team and the players themselves. The "Los Angeles Times" reports that the transaction shocked everyone in the Lakers' locker room.

ESPN reporter Shams Charania revealed that the deal was negotiated in secret.

LeBron James had no suspicions, Anthony Davis neither, and I was told that Luka Doncic is still in shock – Charania stated.

25-year-old Doncic, who was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2018, went straight to the Dallas Mavericks. Last season, he led them to the finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics. In the current season, he averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game but often struggled with injuries.

Six years older, Davis joined the Lakers in 2019, winning a championship with them in 2020. In the current season, he averaged 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.

According to ESPN, the deal also includes the transfer of German centre Max Christie to Dallas and a first-round draft pick in 2029, while Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris will join the California team.

The trade of Doncic for Davis is one of the most surprising events in the NBA in recent years. The transaction came as a complete surprise to all parties.