Inside the Top-Secret Trade Negotiations That Made Luka Dončić a Laker

That these two are switching jerseys is still unreal to most humans

The Los Angeles Lakers just pulled off the most stunning trade of the century, landing Luka Dončić without even sacrificing both of their tradeable first-round picks.

Late Saturday, the Dallas Mavericks agreed to send Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick—but notably, not the Lakers’ 2031 first-rounder. In a league where superstar trades often involve a haul of draft capital, the Mavericks, eager to move quickly, did not press for it.

According to league sources, the Lakers’ logic was simple: giving up both first-rounders was too risky without knowing if Dončić would commit long-term. His contract expires in 2026, and under strict secrecy, the Lakers had no way to gauge his willingness to stay before making the deal.

Why the Trade Was Kept Under Wraps

Neither team wanted to leak the negotiations, fearing it could derail the process. If word got out that Dallas was shopping Dončić, the Mavericks’ front office feared a flood of competing offers—perhaps ones that could have bested the Lakers’ bid. Additionally, if the deal fell apart, Dallas risked being stuck with an unhappy superstar.

Despite Dallas GM Nico Harrison publicly stating that he only spoke to the Lakers, sources confirm that the Mavs made at least one other exploratory call to gauge trade interest. However, no team engaged in deep negotiations besides Los Angeles. Harrison’s strong pre-existing relationship with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka—who previously represented Kobe Bryant—helped maintain trust and confidentiality throughout the process.

Why Did Dallas Move On from Luka?

The biggest lingering question is why Dallas moved on from a 25-year-old generational talent who finished third in MVP voting last season.

Harrison’s comments at his press conference suggested it was about team culture, hinting at issues with Dončić’s conditioning and off-court habits. “We believe the players we are bringing in exemplify [the culture we want],” Harrison said, implying that Dončić did not.

Ownership changes also played a role. Patrick Dumont now runs the Mavericks, taking over for Mark Cuban, who retains a minority stake but no longer has primary decision-making power.

Harrison also mentioned concerns about Dončić’s looming supermax contract, which would have paid him $345 million over five years—the largest deal a player can receive. But by trading for Davis, who is already on a 35% max deal and will likely demand another one, Dallas didn’t avoid the financial burden. Instead, they chose to commit that money to a 31-year-old Davis rather than a 25-year-old Dončić.

Luka’s Side: He Never Wanted Out

The most shocking part? Dončić never asked to be traded.

A source close to him insists he wanted to be a Maverick for life, modeling his career after Dirk Nowitzki, who spent 21 seasons in Dallas and delivered the franchise’s only championship. Dončić himself echoed that sentiment in his farewell message on social media:

“I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship.”

This wasn’t Luka walking away from Dallas. It was Dallas rejecting Luka—a move without precedent for a superstar of his caliber.

The Lakers’ Perspective: Why They Held Their Ground

Even though they couldn’t communicate with Dončić before the trade, the Lakers refused to go all-in without clarity on his long-term commitment. That’s why they protected their 2031 first-round pick and kept Austin Reaves, a key piece of their current core.

Still, early signs suggest that Dončić is thrilled to be in Los Angeles, and a long-term future with the Lakers is likely.

LeBron’s Reaction: Shocked, but Not Upset

The trade also reshapes the LeBron James era in Los Angeles. For the first time in his career, James is not the primary superstar on his own team.

James learned about the trade while having dinner with his family in New York, fresh off a triple-double performance at Madison Square Garden. He was reportedly stunned, but a source close to him said he understood the move as a necessary “business decision.” His only concern? How Davis felt about being traded.

At 40 years old, LeBron has pondered retirement, and sources acknowledge he could walk away within the next two years. The Lakers’ front office had to start thinking beyond him—and now, with Dončić in the fold, their future looks dramatically different.

What’s Next for the Lakers?

Sitting at 28-19 (5th in the West), the Lakers need a rim protector after trading Davis. However, sources say they are unwilling to part with their remaining first-round pick for a short-term fix.

They’re also planning ahead for 2026 free agency, where they could have max cap space and a deep pool of available stars. If Dončić and Reaves opt into their deals, the Lakers would have enough flexibility to add a third elite player.

By then, Dončić will only be 27 years old.

The Mavericks’ Next Steps

Dallas, now below the luxury tax, has $6.2 million in cap space and more trade flexibility before the Feb. 6 deadline. While they claim they’re “winning now” with Davis and Kyrie Irving, they may not be finished making moves.

But long-term, they just made an unprecedented bet: choosing a mid-30s Anthony Davis over a prime Dončić. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen.

What’s certain? The NBA landscape has just been shaken to its core. Another, current events: Honesty and Integrity: The Foundation for Success—Especially for Immigrants