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Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis react to blockbuster trade
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis react to blockbuster trade

When the Dallas Mavericks recently traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, the point guard thought someone was possibly playing a joke on him.

"I was almost asleep, so when I got a call, I had to check [if] it was April 1," Doncic said Tuesday, via ESPN. "I didn't really believe it at first, and it was a big shock."

Center/forward Anthony Davis — whom the Mavericks acquired from the Lakers — was also stunned.

"I was actually at home, about to watch a movie with my wife, and got the phone call. I had no idea," Davis said, via Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News. "Now, I'm kinda over it and just getting ready to play with Dallas."  

Most of the NBA didn't see the mega deal coming, except for Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Tim MacMahon recently reported the GMs had been discussing the trade since Jan. 7. 

While the trade upset Doncic, he's still eager to play for a club that has won 17 championships.

"Honestly, it was hard at first," the seven-year veteran said, per Greg Beacham of the Associated Press. "That first day was really hard. I felt like these last 48 hours was one month. Emotionally, it was really hard, but today was much better. I'm just very happy for this opportunity. This is the Lakers. It's one of the best clubs in history, so I'm excited to be here."

Doncic has not played since Christmas Day because of a calf injury, but Beacham noted that he's expected to return soon. 

When he does, the 25-year-old should give the Lakers some needed punch. In his first 22 games this season, the five-time All-Star averaged 28.1 points per game. 

According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, Davis is expected to return from an abdominal injury "sometime this week." In his first 42 games, he logged 25.7 PPG.

The Lakers (28-19) host the Mavericks (26-24) on Feb. 25. Assuming they play, monitor Davis and Doncic. Both stars probably want to prove their new teams won the trade. 

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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