Anthony Davis Breaks Silence on Shocking Trade to Mavericks: "LA Will Always Be Home"

Anthony Davis broke his silence on Monday following the blockbuster trade that sent him from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić.  

Reflecting on his time in LA, Davis shared an emotional message on Instagram alongside a video montage of his Lakers highlights.

 

“Six years ago, I arrived here with one goal—win a championship—and I’ll never forget the moment we did,” he wrote. “Basketball is a business, just like any other.”  

Davis expressed gratitude to the city where he won his first NBA title, built friendships, and started a family. He also acknowledged those affected by the recent fires in California.  

“To my teammates, our bond is deeper than basketball,” he continued. “LA will always have a special place in my heart. But every great story has a new chapter … Dallas, here we come!”  

The shocking trade saw the Lakers send Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick to the Mavericks in exchange for Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. ESPN’s Shams Charania first broke the news, leaving NBA fans and players stunned.  

Davis originally joined the Lakers in 2019 via a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, making an immediate impact by winning an NBA championship in his first season. Though injuries plagued his time in LA, he remained one of the league’s most dominant big men when healthy.  

He formed a formidable duo with LeBron James, who responded to Davis’ farewell post with a message of support: “My DOG!!!! You dat muthaf*cka!! Go do you CHAMP!!!!”  

A nine-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA First Team selection, Davis has also been named to five NBA All-Defensive Teams and won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA. Now, he joins forces with Kyrie Irving in Dallas, while James will team up with Dončić in LA.  

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry was among those caught off guard by the trade, admitting after the Warriors’ win over the Magic that the move came completely out of nowhere.  

“No rumors, no signs—especially after (the Mavericks) just made the Finals,” Curry said. “It’s a reminder that only a few guys in this league can sleep easy. It’s a crazy situation. When I first heard about it, I thought somebody got hacked.”