Last February, the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks agreed to one of the biggest (worst?) trades in NBA history, swapping Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick.
The Mavericks were quickly consumed by injuries after the trade, whereas the Lakers improved substantially and entered this season as legitimate title favorites.
While avoiding insulting Davis, the Lakers have publicly been thrilled about the trade, and Austin Reaves is no exception, although he recently revealed why the trade was initially hard to swallow.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 16, 2025: Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) walk together during a timeout against the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. The two combined for 61 points to beat the Suns 107-96.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Austin Reaves Reveals Hidden Details of Trade
Getting Luka Doncic makes losing Anthony Davis easy to forget.
Davis is excellent, one of the best defenders in the world, and easily a top-15 player. However, if Doncic can remain healthy, he could go down as an all-time great. The Lakers, undoubtedly, upgraded their roster.
However, losing Davis had a toll on the Lakers, especially in the immediate aftermath of the deal being announced.
“I was obviously hurt at the time,” revealed Reaves on The Young Man and the Three podcast. “I had a really good relationship with Max, had a really, really, really good relationship with AD. I was with AD for four years with Max, I think for three.”
Reaves and Christie were on nearly the same developmental track in Los Angeles, and Davis was a veteran leader for both of them. Digesting the trade, regardless of the return, was not easy for the Lakers.
Lakers Quickly Got Over the Trade
Losing Davis and Christie hit the Lakers hard. Adding Doncic made things a bit easier. Entering last season, the Lakers boasted +4000 odds to win the title with a 43.5 win total.
Before the 2025-26 season, those odds have improved to +1500 and 49.5 wins. Adding Doncic is the biggest factor in their improvement, and Reaves knows it.
“And then we get Luka,” he added. “Nobody thought that he would get traded at that age or anytime, honestly. Everything happens for a reason. I’m really excited about what we got.”
Before last season, there was genuine concern that Reaves wouldn’t have a long-term future in Los Angeles, and now he looks poised to run the most famous franchise in the NBA next to Doncic for the rest of his career.
Davis, meanwhile, is being handed the keys to the Mavericks’ franchise until Cooper Flagg can develop into an All-Star. Davis will get to play power forward instead of center and eventually share the court with Kyrie Irving. Out of LeBron James’ shadow, Davis seems ready for the next chapter in his career.
For Davis and Doncic, despite some hurt feelings, the trade seemed to work out for both of them, making it easier to digest for their teammates, both old and new.
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