BREAKING: Luka Dončić Is Joining the Los Angeles Lakers in Blockbuster Deal — Sources Tell The Athletic……
In a stunning and unprecedented move that is sending shockwaves through the NBA world, The Athletic has confirmed that Luka Dončić, the Dallas Mavericks’ superstar and perennial MVP candidate, is being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Multiple sources close to the situation revealed Sunday morning that the Lakers and Mavericks have agreed in principle to a blockbuster deal that will send Dončić to Los Angeles in exchange for a massive haul of players and draft picks. According to insiders, the Lakers will send All-Star forward Anthony Davis, rising guard Austin Reaves, and three unprotected first-round picks (2027, 2029, and 2031) to Dallas in return for Dončić.
The deal is expected to be finalized pending league approval and physicals for all players involved.
This marks one of the most dramatic and impactful trades in recent NBA history, instantly reshaping the Western Conference landscape. Dončić, 26, is widely regarded as one of the top five players in the league — a generational talent who has averaged 28.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game over his career. After leading the Mavericks to the 2024 Western Conference Finals, many expected Dončić to remain the face of the franchise for years to come.
However, sources say the relationship between Dončić and the Mavericks front office had grown increasingly strained over the past year, particularly following internal disagreements over roster moves and long-term direction. According to The Athletic, Dončić had quietly expressed interest in a change of scenery, preferably to a larger market with a winning pedigree.
Enter the Lakers.
For Los Angeles, this move is a clear attempt to extend its championship window. LeBron James, who recently signed a one-year extension with the Lakers, reportedly played a role in recruiting Dončić behind the scenes. The pairing of LeBron and Luka will form one of the most dynamic duos in league history — with a mix of youth, playmaking, and elite basketball IQ.
The Mavericks, on the other hand, are betting on a quick rebuild. Anthony Davis, still just 32, remains an elite two-way big man when healthy. His presence, alongside the development of Reaves and future draft flexibility, gives Dallas a strong foundation as they look to retool around a different core.
Social media exploded following the news, with fans, analysts, and players reacting to what many are calling the biggest trade since the Nets acquired Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce in 2013 — but with far more upside for both teams.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka issued a brief statement: “We are thrilled to welcome Luka Dončić to the Lakers family. His passion, work ethic, and elite skill set represent everything we stand for in Los Angeles.”
The deal signals a dramatic new chapter for both franchises — and for the NBA as a whole.
The Luka era in Los Angeles has officially begun.