LeBron James, NBA Players Shocked as Mavericks Trade Luka Dončić to Lakers for Anthony Davis in Blockbuster Deal: Photos

Mar. 15, 2025

From left: LeBron James, Luke Doncic, Anthony Davis.Photo:Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty; Glenn James/NBAE via Getty; Jared C. Tilton/Getty

Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty; Glenn James/NBAE via Getty; Jared C. Tilton/Getty

An unexpected blockbuster trade in the NBA involving five-time all starLuka Dončićand former NBA Finals championAnthony Davishas sparked surprised reactions in players across the league — including Dončić’s apparent new teammateLeBron James, per reports and plenty of in-game footage.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, ESPN’s Shams Charaniareported, citing sources, that Dončić, 25, and his Dallas Mavericks teammates Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris were being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Davis, 31, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick, citing sources.

Trailblazers react to Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis trade.Sportscenter/Instagram

Sportscenter/Instagram

After the news broke, players across the league shared their reactions.Jalen Brunsonposted onXthat he thought it was “April Fools,” Alex Caruso wrote that he thought the reporter was “hacked” and Joel Embiid posted “WOWWWWW NO F WAY.”

James also denied an additional report on Saturday night that he had grown “frustrated” with his longtime teammate Davis — who joined him and the Lakers back in 2019 ahead of their 2020 NBA Finals victory.

“You a fkn lie!!!,” James wrote, denying the report alongside both a clown and a lying-face emoji.

Kevin Durant reacts to Luka Doncic trade.ESPN/TikTok

ESPN/TikTok

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Members of the Portland Trail Blazers appear to react to the trade news between the Lakers and Mavericks on Feb. 1, 2025.Sportscenter/Instagram

Durant, whospoke with reporterson Sunday night, called the move “crazy.”

“I would’ve never thought Luka Dončić would get traded at this age, mid-season,” Durant said. “The NBA is a wild place, man. If he could get traded then anybody’s up for grabs.”

“For the fans, anybody spectating, it’s pretty fun. I know it’s kind of nerve-wracking though for Luka, anybody in Dallas, L.A., AD, everybody involved, I’m sure. Their heads are spinning right now,” he added.

source: people.com