LeBron James was enjoying dinner with his family after the Los Angeles Lakers victory over the New York Knicks when news broke of the shocking trade sending Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, sources informed Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
The unexpected announcement reportedly caught James completely off guard, with sources noting he had no prior knowledge that any such deal was being negotiated.
“The deal materialized in the shadows,” Shams Charania of ESPN explained, highlighting the secrecy surrounding the trade talks.
Marc Stein further clarified that Dallas star Luka Doncic did not request the trade.
Charania elaborated on the widespread surprise among players and staff on both teams: “Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, LeBron James – the players, coaches, a lot of people on both sides of the Mavericks and Lakers had no idea.
“I can assuredly tell you… 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.”
LeBron James, Anthony Davis Had No Idea Of Trade Discussions; Luka Doncic 'Stunned' By Deal https://t.co/LLdIJSC2fs
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 2, 2025
