Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss made it clear that the team had no intention of trading Anthony Davis before the blockbuster deal for Luka Doncic unfolded. Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Buss emphasized that Davis was considered a cornerstone player before the opportunity to acquire Doncic unexpectedly emerged.
“When the opportunity came up, we were not looking to move Anthony Davis,” Buss said, via HoopsHype. “He was our rock-solid player, and we had to give up a lot to get Luka.”
The February 2 trade sent shockwaves through the NBA, as Doncic was dealt to Los Angeles alongside Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. In return, the Mavericks received Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz were also involved, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino and a pair of second-round selections.
Doncic, a perennial MVP candidate, was blindsided by the trade and reportedly learned about it only after the deal was finalized. According to former NBA player Chandler Parsons, Doncic had purchased a $15 million home in Dallas just a week before the move.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison defended the decision, citing a commitment to defense as the driving force behind the trade. However, the move sparked controversy, as it marked the first time two reigning All-NBA players were swapped midseason.
Buss also reflected on the emotional significance of Doncic joining the Lakers. She recalled a moment when Kobe Bryant brought his daughter Gianna to a game specifically to watch Doncic play, as he was her favorite player. “The idea that Luka is now a Laker—I know how happy that would have made Kobe and Gigi,” Buss said.
Since the trade, Los Angeles has gone 3-2 with Doncic in the lineup. The 25-year-old guard is averaging 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in 29.2 minutes per game. The Lakers currently hold the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 35-21 record.
Davis’ departure marked the end of an era in Los Angeles, as he played a key role in the team’s 2020 championship run. While the Lakers had not planned to move him, the chance to acquire Doncic proved too significant to pass up.
As the regular season progresses, both teams will be closely watched to see how the blockbuster trade impacts their postseason aspirations.
