The NBA trade deadline wrapped up after days of speculation and rumors. However, one deal overshadowed the others exponentially: Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to ESPN, the full transaction consists of Luka Dončić, Makieff Morris, and Maxi Kleber from the Mavericks to the Lakers; Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick from the Lakers to the Mavericks; and the Jazz received Jalen Hood-Schifiino with two 2025 second-round picks for facilitating the deal. Many people were expecting trades to occur due to the imminent trade deadline; however, nobody saw this coming. Many even believed it was a hoax at first before senior NBA insider, Shams Charania, confirmed the trade was real.

Drafted in 2018, Dončić developed into a young star and the face of the Mavericks organization at only twenty-five years old. Mavericks general manager and president of basketball operations, Nico Harrison, stated that his reasoning behind the trade was an emphasis on defense, contract concerns, and Dončić’s conditioning. Harrison’s reasoning understandably had fans of the Mavericks and NBA alike confused. Luka Dončić had proven time and time again that he was the best player on the Mavericks, even taking them to the NBA finals in the 23-24 season.

Days after the trade, it is still being talked about and discussed by NBA fans. Discussions about the trade will continue for weeks, months, and years to come.