Doom scroll through Instagram around February 1 and you’ll be reminded of a trade that brings a smile to the faces of Laker Nation.
Now, a trade of greater proportions will be remembered thanks to the one that was announced on February 1, 2025.

Luka Doncic heading to the Los Angeles Lakers has always been the subject of the fantasies of Laker Nation and while there was a possibility of it happening down the road, it was never on anyone’s bingo card for 2025 save for Dallas Mavericks president of basketball operations and general manager Nico Harrison, who reportedly broached the idea to the Lakers.

Even Shams Charania, the one who broke the story, had to repeat it not once but twice.
The news of the trade sent shockwaves not just in the world of sports, but across the globe. Those hoping to enjoy a good night’s rest were again woken up by a seismic NBA trade. Even outlets known for other types of stories could not help but relay the news to their followers.
The reactions in Los Angeles were a mix of excitement and sadness at losing a player like Anthony Davis, who was seemingly turning into the AD of old until the injury bug struck. Meanwhile, the gloom in Dallas can be felt all the way in Manila, and who can blame them when even their most beloved son is shocked.
Emotions aside, the short answer is that the trade is a win for both teams. The Mavs wanted to maximize their championship window after making the NBA Finals last season. Unfortunately, it came at the cost of the main reason they made the finals: Doncic. Dallas is making a big bet that they could handle life without him and that the addition of Davis would give them a deep frontcourt to pair with Kyrie Irving. On the season, the Mavs are 13-14 without Doncic so it remains to be seen if their defense can really win a championship.
Meanwhile, for the Lakers, this is very on brand. Los Angeles has always been a town for the stars and the Lakers almost always get the star. Reports make it seem that Doncic fell on their laps and at 25, he has a lot of basketball left in him. Many have said that getting Doncic now may have been costly to their chances at winning an NBA title immediately, but those same people will tell you that anytime a trade like this is offered to you, you have to seize it.
Los Angeles was wise to pull the trigger, but it did leave a gaping hole in their frontcourt and came at the cost of a young player in Max Christie. Jalen Hood-Schifino never panned out and sending him away did help the Lakers with their luxury tax bill. That being said, Los Angeles is not likely done wheeling and dealing and given how things have gone in the last few seasons, the Lakers should trust Rob Pelinka’s process.
February 1 will now be marked on everyone’s basketball calendars but it may be hard to top the trade executed by the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Utah Jazz. While the trade has not yet been confirmed by the NBA (yes, the CP3 trade trauma is real), there seems to be no going back with this one. After all, this move has pretty much brought back silly season to the NBA.
