Jeanie Buss Shares Insights Into Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis Trade.
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks made a stunning move that rocked the NBA by pulling off a three-team trade involving stars Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis.
In the deal, the Lakers acquired Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris from the Mavericks. Dallas received Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz took in Jalen Hood-Schifino, a second-round pick from the Los Angeles Clippers in 2025, and a second-round pick from the Mavericks in 2025.
The trade took many by surprise, as there were no prior rumors or hints before the official announcement. Lakers owner Jeanie Buss appeared on “The Rich Eisen Show” to explain the reasoning behind keeping the trade details secret.
“The discussions began a couple of weeks before the trade was completed,” Buss said. “What was crucial was that Rob Pelinka, our general manager, and I, wanted to ensure that nothing leaked because it would have disrupted the team’s focus on improving.”
Buss emphasized that she was particularly keen to keep the trade confidential due to the presence of rookie head coach JJ Redick. She feared that if the trade became public and then fell apart, it could cause locker room issues. However, Buss also confessed that she never imagined acquiring a player like Doncic was even possible.
“When you look at certain players in the league, you think, ‘There’s no chance I’ll ever have that player on my team,’” Buss explained. “It feels impossible unless you draft a star like that. Such players don’t typically get traded.”
Even though Doncic, who averages 28.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, is an incredible addition, Buss admitted that moving a cornerstone like Davis wasn’t easy.
“We weren’t actively trying to move Anthony Davis,” Buss noted. “He was a cornerstone for us. So, we had to give up quite a bit to land Luka.”
Davis, during his six years with the Lakers, averaged 24.8 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks, playing a significant role in their 2020 NBA Finals victory. While the decision to trade him wasn’t simple for Buss and Pelinka, they’re optimistic about the team’s future.