Anthony Davis Shocked by Sudden Lakers-Mavericks Trade

All-Star forward recounts finding out he was traded to Dallas for Luka Doncic.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the trade between the Lakers and Mavericks, with overlapping shapes and planes representing the complex transaction.The blockbuster trade between the Lakers and Mavericks fractured the NBA landscape, creating a new dynamic between two of the league's top young stars.Los Angeles Today

In a recent interview, NBA star Anthony Davis described the surprising moment he learned the Los Angeles Lakers had traded him to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic. Davis said he initially thought it was a prank, but eventually confirmed the blockbuster deal through media reports.

Why it matters

The unexpected trade between the Lakers and Mavericks was one of the most shocking moves in recent NBA history, as it involved swapping two of the league's top young talents. The deal signaled a major shift in the Lakers' plans as they looked to rebuild around a younger core.

The details

Davis said he was relaxing at home when Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka called to inform him of the trade. Davis first thought it was a joke, asking if the Lakers were sending him to Dallas for Doncic. But Pelinka confirmed the deal, explaining the team wanted to go in a younger direction as LeBron James neared retirement. Davis then checked social media to verify the news before informing his personal chef.

  • On April 8, 2026, Davis was informed of the trade by Lakers GM Rob Pelinka.

The players

Anthony Davis

An All-Star forward who was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks in a shocking deal.

Rob Pelinka

The general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers who called Davis to inform him of the trade.

Luka Doncic

The superstar guard who was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in the deal for Anthony Davis.

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What they’re saying

“First of all, I had no idea that I was even traded. Go upstairs like 'You know what I'm gonna go upstairs, watch a movie.' Get in the bed, turn the movie on, wife next to me and you know I'm trying to find a movie and I see Rob Pelinka calls me. I'm like man you know what, I'll hit him back tomorrow.”

— Anthony Davis, NBA Player

“Man they just traded you to Dallas' and I'm like 'Man, shut up.' I said 'Who the f— they gonna trade me for, Luka?' Like I was just saying who else can you trade me for on that team.”

— Anthony Davis, NBA Player

What’s next

Davis has since been traded again, this time to the Washington Wizards, where he hopes to help that franchise rise up. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic continues his quest to bring the Lakers another championship, though he is currently sidelined with an injury.

The takeaway

The shocking trade between the Lakers and Mavericks highlighted the unpredictable nature of the NBA and the willingness of teams to make bold moves, even involving their star players. The deal signaled a new direction for the Lakers as they looked to build around a younger core.