Anthony Davis Makes Bold Luka Doncic Statement After Blockbuster Mavs-Lakers Trade

Anthony Davis spoke about Luka Doncic at his Mavericks press conference.

Dec 15, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (left) talks with Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (right) after the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

On Friday, Anthony Davis was officially introduced to the media as a member of the Dallas Mavericks.

Davis joins the Mavs in the middle of another dominant season with averages of 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.1 blocks per contest while shooting 52.8% from the field in 42 games.

Feb 7, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) and guard Max Christie (00) and forward Caleb Martin (16) pose for a photo with their new Mavs jerseys during a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The trade (which also included Luka Doncic) will go down as one of the biggest in NBA (and sports) history.

Via Mavs PR on Sunday: "The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they acquired 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for guard Luka Dončić, forward/center Maxi Kleber and forward/center Markieff Morris."

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they acquired 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for guard Luka Dončić, forward/center Maxi Kleber and forward/center Markieff Morris.

— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) February 2, 2025

At Friday's presser, Davis spoke about Doncic.

Davis: "I understand who Luka is and what he is able to do and what he has already done for our game. He's a phenomenal player. Going to be one of the best to ever play the game of basketball. To have Nico trade for me just shows his belief in what I can do on the floor, and it's my job to produce every night."

Doncic was the third pick in the 2018 NBA Draft and had spent all seven seasons with Dallas.

Many believed that the 25-year-old would spend his entire career with the team.

"Clearly, lines have been crossed."@espn_macmahon with the latest on security precautions for Mavericks front office personnel following the Luka Doncic trade. pic.twitter.com/N1NffEYOWn

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 7, 2025

The Mavs will host the Houston Rockets on Saturday afternoon in Dallas.

Davis is expected to make his debut after missing the first two games following the trade (he last played for the Lakers on January 28).

Anthony Davis will make his debut for the Mavericks tomorrow against the Rockets.

Davis will play full-time at power forward. pic.twitter.com/uq00RimUNZ

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 7, 2025