Anthony Davis Admits Lakers' Luka Doncic Trade Still Bothers Him

The All-Star big man opened up about his feelings on the controversial deal.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:21pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting an abstract basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in dark blue, green, and red tones, conveying the complex emotions surrounding a major player trade.The emotional aftermath of a blockbuster NBA trade continues to play out, with one team's star player still grappling with the fallout.Dallas Today

As the Washington Wizards wrap up another losing season, Anthony Davis is recovering from injury with his new team. The All-Star big man recently opened up about still being bothered by the Lakers' controversial trade that sent him from the Dallas Mavericks to Washington.

Why it matters

Davis' comments provide insight into the emotional impact of high-profile trades on players, even years later. The Lakers-Mavericks deal that sent Davis to Washington was widely debated at the time and continues to be a sore spot for the veteran forward.

The details

In an interview on "The Draymond Green Show", Davis admitted that the Lakers' decision to trade him away from the Mavericks still bothers him. The trade, which occurred two seasons ago, sent Davis to Washington in exchange for several players and draft picks.

  • The Lakers-Mavericks trade that sent Davis to Washington happened two seasons ago.

The players

Anthony Davis

An All-Star forward currently playing for the Washington Wizards.

Luka Doncic

The star player for the Dallas Mavericks, who was involved in the trade that sent Davis to Washington.

Draymond Green

The host of "The Draymond Green Show" where Davis made his comments.

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The takeaway

Davis' lingering feelings about the trade that sent him from the Mavericks to the Wizards underscores the emotional toll high-profile player transactions can have, even years later. This provides a window into the human side of the NBA's business.