LA Lakers land Luka Doncic, trade Anthony Davis to Dallas Mavericks: Reports

The Los Angeles Lakers are all set to land Luka Doncic after trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in a mega deal. Doncic is all set to link up with LeBron James at Lakers after he returns from injury.

In Short

• Lakers will also get Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris along with Doncic
• Doncic and Davis are currently injured
• Doncic has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists in 22 games

The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks are set to send the NBA world into a frenzy as they're reportedly going to trade Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis in one of the biggest deals in history. This is the first time a mid-season swap will feature All-NBA selections according to the Elias Sports Bureau. ESPN reported early on February 2, Sunday that the deal is taking place.

While Doncic and Davis are at the centre of the deal, the Lakers will also get Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks will receive Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick, according to the report from ESPN. The report also states that the Utah Jazz are also involved in the trade and will get Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round draft pick via the Los Angeles Clippers from the Lakers. Jazz will also get a 2025 second-round selection from Dallas.

Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN that he believes defence will win them championships and Davis will give them a better chance of winning now and in the future.

"I believe that defence wins championships," Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN. "I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We're built to win now and in the future."

Why Mavericks decided to cash in on Doncic

Dallas came to the Lakers with the idea of trading Doncic and the legendary team decided to pounce on the opportunity as they feel the 25-year-old has the chance to be the face of the franchise for a long time, according to the report from ESPN. For now, he will be playing along with LeBron James.

Doncic and Davis are currently sidelined with injuries, with no-return date set for both men. Doncic has had trouble staying healthy and reports state that the Mavs were frustrated with his poor conditioning and diet. This plus the fact he was set for nice payday in the summer meant that Dallas decided to cash-in on him right now.

Doncic has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists in 22 games (all starts) this season.