When the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, few initially believed the announcement was real. Nobody saw a team giving up their star player and a generational offensive talent just eight months after making the NBA Finals. However, internally, the move might have been a long time coming.

The Mavericks ostensibly had “major” long-term concerns about Doncic despite his obvious offensive talent, ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported. The possible issues led general manager Nico Harrison to believe he would not be willing to give Doncic another supermax extension in the offseason.

“The Mavs had major concerns about moving forward with Luka Doncic due to his constant conditioning issues and the looming commitment of another supermax contract extension this summer, sources told ESPN,” MacMahon tweeted.

Doncic signed a five-year, $215 million extension in 2022 that is guaranteed through the 2026-2027 season. However, he has a player option to possibly opt into another year that would be valid through 2027-2028.

The Mavericks' growing worries increased after their 2024 NBA Finals run. The team believed Doncic's diet and “lack of discipline” led to his physique and conditioning liabilities, which it felt led to his injury-riddled 2024-2025 campaign.

“Though Doncic was relatively svelte by his standards when he reported to camp, his weight ballooned to the high 260s early this season, sources said,” ESPN's Dave McMenamin wrote. “He sat out five games in November, when the Mavericks listed him with a sprained right wrist, an extended absence to allow Doncic to focus on his conditioning. He had a similar early-season layoff in the 2022-2023 season.”

Full Mavericks-Lakers trade involving Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Center.
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The full trade included the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal. The Mavericks sent Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Lakers. In return, they received Davis, Max Christie and Los Angeles' 2029 first-round pick.

The Jazz received Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Mavericks' 2025 second-round pick and the Los Angeles Clippers' 2025 second-round pick. Utah did not relinquish any assets as a part of the deal but will reportedly send cash considerations to both the Lakers and Magic to help facilitate the deal. They will also need to waive one player from their current roster to make room for Hood-Schifino.

Interestingly, all three teams involved in the exchange are in the Western Conference. Doncic, who was taken aback by the move, and Davis will each have more than a couple of revenge games per year.