Anthony Davis Sends Message on Lakers Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Apr 8, 2026 1:31 PM ET

The blockbuster midseason trade involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis remains one of the most shocking deals in NBA history, and its ripple effects are still being felt. In February 2025, the Dallas Mavericks traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team deal that brought Davis to Dallas. It marked the first time two reigning All-NBA players were traded for each other midseason, and the move drew mixed reactions from around the league.

The aftermath of the trade has quickly tilted in the Lakers’ favor. Doncic has since led Los Angeles to back-to-back 50-win seasons, re-establishing the franchise as a long-term contender. Meanwhile, Davis’ stint in Dallas was derailed by injuries and he appeared in just 29 games for the Mavericks before he was again traded to the Washington Wizards in a multi-player deal in February.

Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3)Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, Davis reflected on the Lakers trade during an appearance on “The Draymond Green Show,” and admitted his disappointment and shock at the move.

“I was there six years, we won a championship and I can’t even get a phone call or a text to tell me this is what you’re thinking?” Davis questioned.

“If I ever got with Luka oh my gosh. So when he said traded to Dallas, I was like get the [expletive] out of here. And I said who the [expletive] they going to trade me for, Luka? Who else can you trade me for on that team?”

Before the trade, Davis had built a decorated career with the Lakers. Alongside LeBron James, he helped lead the franchise to the 2020 NBA Championship, earning five All-Star selections and two All-NBA honors during his time in Los Angeles. At his peak, he was one of the league’s most dominant two-way players, and anchored the defense while also serving as a primary scoring option.

However, injuries became a recurring theme in the latter stages of his Lakers tenure and continued into his time in Dallas. Most recently, Davis has been sidelined with ligament damage in his left hand, an issue that has kept him off the floor. The setback has delayed his Wizards debut and he is set to return next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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