For the first time since getting traded, Anthony Davis revealed he had “no idea” on the deal that sent him to the Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers--a move that stunned the basketball world.
"I was shocked. I had no idea,” Davis said in the morning shootaround of the Mavericks’ 118-116 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Anthony Davis on the trade:
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 4, 2025
“I was shocked. I didn’t know. I was actually at home, about to watch a movie with my wife and got the phone call. I had no idea….Now I’m kind of over it and just getting ready to play with Dallas.”
(via @MikeACurtis2)
pic.twitter.com/lzCXCn8ZYw
The 31-year-old’s seven-and-half season with the Purple and Gold squad came to an abrupt end after LA let go of their big man to get a 25-year-old superstar to pair with LeBron James.
[ALSO READ: Mavericks announce acquisitions of Davis, Christie in trade with Lakers]
Davis, a ten-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA selection, will now be on his third team in his 14-year career and will now form a superstar tandem with fellow NBA champion in Kyrie Irving.
The former top overall pick revealed the two wanted to team-up for a while now.
"I'm very excited. You know, we've been wanting to play alongside each other for a very long time. And now we've got the opportunity to do so."
"We've been wanting to play alongside each other for a very long time." - AD on playing with Kai
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 4, 2025
Watch AD's full media availability on YouTube ??https://t.co/1MWK25dHWP@ATT // #MFFL
In 42 games this season, the two-way big man averaged 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds in what has arguably been the best season of his career.
[ALSO READ: Anthony Davis pens farewell message to Lakers fan base after shocking trade to Mavericks]
"I had just sent the team a text about congratulations on the win against the Knicks, big win. And then, found out like an hour later I was no longer with the team. I was in shock, obviously,” Davis stated on how he found out about the trade.
"But, I mean, now I'm kind of over it, and just kind of getting ready to play with Dallas."
Besides Irving, the big man will be reunited with Jason Kidd, then assistant coach to the 2020 Lakers squad that won the title.
Anthony Davis already looking out for the Mavericks 💙
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 4, 2025
He arrived in Dallas with the hope of returning to play his preferred power forward position with the likes of Daniel Gafford and second-year center Dereck Lively II taking turns in the center position.
For most of his time in LA, Davis played as the main big man of the squad that can dominate on both ends of the floor.
“I haven't played power forward in a long time with another big. We saw some spurts in L.A. with Jaxson [Hayes], but to be back naturally at the 4, I'm excited to see how it goes."
But getting back healthy, above everything else, is on top of A.D’s main priority.
"Right now I'm just excited to get back to playing basketball. Obviously, dealing with the whole trade thing, but also just the injury. Anytime that I'm out on the floor, I feel better.”
[NEXT: Doncic states goal with Lakers: 'You don't come here for nothing else than championships']
