The NBA world is reeling from a blockbuster trade no one saw coming. Ten-time All-Star Anthony Davis saw his six-year partnership with the Los Angeles Lakers come to an end just like that, leaving fans and stars like Lisa Leslie stunned. As speculation runs wild, a new face is set to take center stage in Los Angeles—one with the potential to redefine the franchise’s future alongside LeBron James.

This shocking trade comes just days before Thursday’s deadline, as both the Lakers and Mavericks look to strengthen their rosters for a deep playoff push. Dallas is still chasing redemption after falling to the Boston Celtics in last year’s Finals, while the Lakers hope to bounce back after back-to-back playoff exits at the hands of the Denver Nuggets.

The trade involved a young Slovenian star Luka Doncic leaving the reigns from Maverick Dallas. The trade is undoubtedly real, and considering the caliber of players and teams involved—with no prior rumors or speculation—it’s shaping up to be one of the most jaw-dropping moves, in decades. Making its voice reach even the WNBA and shocking the 2x champion.

She took to her X account to express her shock, even referencing the famous ’80s band, the Fat Boys: “Wow! First, the Fat Boys break up, now this! The Lakers giving up AD for Luka—I’m stunned.”

Doncic is no stranger to the spotlight, especially when it comes to the playoffs. Fresh off a Finals appearance last spring, his postseason performance has been nothing short of legendary. With a career postseason average of 30.9 points per game, only Michael Jordan has posted a higher scoring average.

However, with his arrival, many of the Lakers’ defensive inconsistencies are now more glaring. Ranked 21st defensively, the team took a hit with Anthony Davis’ departure, making it even more crucial for Doncic to step up on both ends of the floor.

Lakers eye new era post-win

LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-112 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. James had an impressive 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists in the win. Shortly after the game, rumors began swirling that Luka Dončić, the five-time NBA All-Star from the Dallas Mavericks, could soon join forces with James in a massive three-way trade, potentially bringing the young star to the West Coast.

As part of the deal, Anthony Davis, who helped the Lakers win the NBA title in 2020, would be heading to Dallas, along with guard Max Christie. The Mavericks would also receive a 2029 first-round draft pick. Meanwhile, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris would join the Lakers in exchange.

The trade is reportedly a three-way deal, with the Utah Jazz also involved. The Jazz would acquire Lakers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks from this year’s draft.

Currently sidelined with a calf injury, Luka Dončić has been putting up impressive numbers for the Mavericks, averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game since joining the team in 2018 after being traded from the Atlanta Hawks.

This monumental trade marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Lakers, as Doncic joins LeBron James in a quest to reshape the franchise’s future. While the move has stunned the NBA world, the pressure is on for Dončić to step up, especially with the Lakers’ defensive struggles.