“I Thought It Was a Joke”: Anthony Davis on Doncic Trade Shock
Anthony Davis opens up about his disbelief after being traded for Luka Dončić in a shocking NBA move.
The blockbuster trade that shook the NBA in 2025 continues to resonate, and Anthony Davis has now revealed how he experienced the moment. The former Los Angeles Lakers star was sent to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić in a move that stunned fans—and the player himself.
Speaking on Draymond Green’s podcast, Davis admitted he didn’t believe the news at first when his agent, Rich Paul, told him. He initially thought it was a joke and struggled to process the reality of the situation.
Ironically, Davis had often imagined playing alongside Doncic. The idea of teaming up with the Slovenian superstar had been a dream scenario, but it materialized in a completely unexpected way—by being traded for him.
His journey after the trade became even more turbulent. The Mavericks later moved him again to the Washington Wizards, highlighting how quickly roles can shift in the league. While his individual stats remained strong, his status changed dramatically.
Meanwhile, Doncic took over as the centerpiece of the Lakers, ushering in a new era and closing the chapter of the LeBron-Davis partnership.
For Davis, the experience captures the harsh reality of the NBA: a business where even elite players can be caught off guard. From dreaming of playing with Doncic to being traded for him, his story underlines the unpredictable nature of the league.











