Happy New Year 2025

Tag: blockbuster

Luka Doncic makes Lakers debut after blockbuster trade

The anticipation for Los Angeles Lakers fans ended on Monday night as Luka Doncic made his debut in purple and gold at the Crypto.com Arena against the Utah Jazz.

Doncic played 24 minutes as all but one Lakers star played under 30 (Austin Reaves). He made the most of it, scoring 14 points, grabbing five rebounds and dishing out four assists. He was plus-15 while on the floor and 5-of-14 from the field.

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic gestures as he comes back in during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

He had not played since Christmas due to an injury and then was the main part of a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers. As fans received Doncic T-shirts, and he stepped onto the floor with LeBron James, Doncic admitted he was a “little nervous.”

“I (don’t remember) the last time I was nervous before the game. But once I stepped on the court again, it was fun. Just being out there, it felt amazing,” he said after the game.

The Lakers won the game 132-113.

MAVERICKS’ ANTHONY DAVIS SUFFERS INJURY IN DEBUT FOLLOWING BLOCKBUSTER TRADE

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic arrives before an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Monday on Feb. 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

“Just the amount of cheering there was in the arena was absolutely unbelievable,” Doncic said. “That was my favorite part — and to play again.”

As the season wears on, Doncic’s chemistry with James is going to be a key factor. The Lakers moved to 32-19 on the year with the win and are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference. Being out of the play-in tournament will be a key for the team.

“Knowing Luka, whether he will admit this or not, there was probably a little bit of nerves playing for the Lakers for the first time, and the anticipation that this building had,” Lakers head coach J.J. Redick said. “I thought he handled it really well, and he played really well tonight. … He didn’t make it about Luka. He made it about playing good basketball and playing Laker basketball.”

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T-shirts with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic’s number are seen played out on fan seats prior to an NBA basketball game between the Lakers and the Utah Jazz on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles will head to Utah to play the Jazz again before the All-Star break begins.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 11, 2025
Mavericks’ Anthony Davis suffers injury in debut following blockbuster trade

The Dallas Mavericks suffered a case of awful luck on Saturday.

Anthony Davis, the team’s acquisition in its stunning trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, suffered a groin injury in the team’s win over the Houston Rockets. He left the game early and was ruled out for Monday’s contest against the Sacramento Kings.

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Mavericks forward Anthony Davis handles the game ball against the Houston Rockets, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Davis may be out longer.

ESPN reported that Davis suffered a left adductor strain and that he could be out for a few weeks. The power forward tried to downplay concern about the ailment.

“Just the leg got tight, like a little spasm,” he said after the game against the Rockets. “Just came back and tried to get it loose and everything. Obviously, dealing with the ab strain still, so just tried to get it loose. It wouldn’t really loosen up and let go, but it’s nothing serious. I’m fine.”

Mavericks forward Anthony Davis waits for a timeout in front of the bench during the Houston Rockets game, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

LUKA DONČIĆ ODDS: WHAT KINDS OF NUMBERS CAN HE PUT UP WITH THE LAKERS?

The concern about Davis’ health comes amid the Mavericks’ trade of Luka Doncic. The deal stunned the rest of the league and fans of the NBA. It resonated so much that NFL stars were left just as confused as anyone while at Super Bowl LIX radio row in New Orleans last week.

Davis isn’t a scrub in his own right. The nine-time All-Star played 76 games during the 2023-24 season but has missed at least 20 games in each of the last five seasons.

Mavericks forward Anthony Davis leaves the game, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

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He averaged 25.7 points, 12 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game in 43 games this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 10, 2025
2 NBA stars on the move in latest blockbuster deal: report

Two NBA stars are reportedly on the move Sunday, hours after the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis earlier in the day.

The Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs were finalizing a deal involving De’Aaron Fox and Zach LaVine, ESPN reported.

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Sacramento Kings’ De’Aaron Fox calls out to teammates during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Fox was traded to the Spurs and LaVine was traded to the Kings in the deal, according to the report. The Bulls will reportedly receive Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Heurter and a 2025 draft pick.

The Kings guard is two seasons removed from his first All-Star appearance. He was averaging 25 points, 6.1 assists and five rebounds with the team before he was dealt. He has played for the Kings since the 2017-18 season.

LaVine, a two-time All-Star, had been with the Bulls since the 2017-18 season as well. He was mostly injured during the 2023-24 season but bounced back and played in 42 games this season. He’s averaging 24 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

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San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images)

Fox will now pair up with Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs are 21-25 this season and are about three games behind the Golden State Warriors for 11th in the Western Conference.

LaVine will team up with Domantas Sabonis. The Kings are two seasons removed from their playoff run in 2023. Sacramento has seen changes this season and the Fox trade appeared to be the end of it. The team fired head coach Mike Brow and replaced him with Doug Christie.

The Kings are in 10th in the West with a record of 24-24. Chicago is in 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 21-28 record.

Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun, left, guards against Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez)

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San Antonio will also receive Jordan McLaughlin and the Kings will receive Sidy Cissoko, three first-round picks and three second-round picks.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 3, 2025
Luka Doncic snubs Mavericks in farewell note to Dallas fans after blockbuster trade

Luka Doncic penned a farewell letter to Dallas Mavericks fans on Sunday, hours after the team traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster that shook the NBA world.

The Lakers acquired Doncic and Maxi Kleber in a deal for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a draft pick. The Utah Jazz were also involved in the deal.

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Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic drives against Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

Doncic is a five-time All-Star and five-time First Team All-NBA. He’s averaging 28.1 points per game.

He was the face of the Mavericks since the team acquired him in the NBA Draft from the Atlanta Hawks. The 25-year-old is among the up-and-coming stars who are expected to be the face of the league – if not already are. It’s why the trade itself was incredibly stunning.

Doncic thanked the fans for their support. He made no mention of the team itself.

“Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level,” Doncic wrote. “I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship. The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of. For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home.

CHIEFS’ PATRICK MAHOMES ‘SICK’ OVER MAVERICKS’ LUKA DONCIC TRADE

Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates with his father, Sasa, after a 124-103 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals at Target Center on May 30, 2024, in Minneapolis. (David Berding/Getty Images)

“In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best memories, but also lifting met up when I needed it most.

“To all the organizations I’ve worked with throughout the Dallas community, thank you for letting me contribute to your important work and join you in bringing light to those who need it. As I start the next part of my basketball journey, I am leaving a city that will always feel like a home away from home.

“Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans.

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

Doncic will now team up with LeBron James and the Lakers as they pursue another NBA championship.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates after hitting a three-pointer over Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) in the first half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Emil T. Lippe)

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“Grateful for this amazing opportunity,” he added in a post to his Instagram Stories. “Basketball means everything to me, and no matter where I play the game, I’ll do so with the same joy passion and goal – to win championships.”

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 2, 2025
LeBron James breaks silence on blockbuster trade by refuting report he was ‘frustrated’ with now ex-teammate

While most were sleeping, the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning blockbuster that led to Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis swapping teams.

The deal is perhaps one of the most star-studded ever, as it’s the first time in NBA history two reigning All-NBA players were traded midseason.

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There are lots of questions that need to be answered, primarily on the Dallas side of things, as it’s shocking a team would trade a 25-year-old MVP candidate with global starpower fresh off an NBA Finals appearance.

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Lakers forwards LeBron James and Anthony Davis during the Atlanta Hawks game at Crypto.com Arena on March 18, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

However, one report from CBS Sports said LeBron James “had grown frustrated” with Davis, who is averaging over 25 points and a dozen rebounds while playing elite defense.

James’ Lakers defeated the Knicks shortly before the trade broke, but James has not spoken to reporters about the move yet (Davis was inactive), but James did see the report on X, and broke his silence matter of factly.

“You a [f—ing] lie,” James wrote on X, adding Pinocchio and clown emojis.

Luka Dončić of the Mavericks handles the ball against Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on Feb. 26, 2023, in Dallas. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

KEVIN DURANT SAYS TEAMS AREN’T HELD TO SAME ‘LOYALTY’ EXPECTATIONS AS PLAYERS ARE AFTER STUNNING NBA TRADE

James is said to have found out about the trade shortly before the news broke on X while he was out to dinner with his family following L.A.’s victory. It’s being reported that the Mavs only reached out to the Lakers, and would only acquire Davis if it meant moving Dončić. Other than the organizations facilitating the trade, it’s said that no one else knew what was going on behind the scenes.

The Lakers received Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks took on Davis, Max Christie and Los Angeles’ 2029 first-round pick. To settle it all out, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

LeBron James gestures to fans as he sits on the bench with forward Anthony Davis during the game against the Golden State Warriors, Oct. 13, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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The Slovenian led the NBA with 33.4 points per game last season and won’t turn 26 until later this month. In his career, he averages 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, putting himself in the MVP conversation every year of his young career.

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February 2, 2025
Lakers, Mavericks pull off wild blockbuster as Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis swap teams: reports

The NBA world was hit with perhaps the craziest trade in a generation in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

According to multiple reports, the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks came to an agreement to swap Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis as part of a three-team blockbuster deal.

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The Lakers received Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks took on Davis, Max Christie, and Los Angeles’ 2029 first-round pick.

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Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of the game at American Airlines Center on February 26, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

To settle it all out, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the trade early Sunday morning, and because of the starpower involved, the immediate reaction was that the reporter had been hacked. However, it was later confirmed by multiple other outlets.

Charania reported that the Mavs approached Los Angeles recently, saying their 25-year-old global superstar was available via trade; Dallas general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN that he was concerned about the team’s defense, which is now massively improved by replacing Dončić with Davis.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after a play during the first half in Game 4 of the NBA basketball finals against the Boston Celtics, Friday, June 14, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

2024-25 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS: THUNDER FAVORED; LAKERS RISE AFTER DONČIĆ TRADE

But Dončić is a phenomenon, and a young one at that. The Slovenian led the NBA with 33.4 points per game last season and won’t turn 26 until later this month. In his career, he averages 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, putting himself in the MVP conversation every year of his young career.

It was also reported that LeBron James did not find out about the trade until shortly before the news broke, while he was out to dinner in New York shortly after his Lakers defeated the New York knicks – Davis was ruled inactive for the game.

Davis, a defensive player of the year candidate last year, is putting up 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds this season, both slightly better than his career averages of 24.2 and 10.7.

Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to the media after winning the In-Season Tournament Championship game against the Indiana Pacers on December 9, 2023 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)

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The Mavericks lost in the NBA Finals last year, and Dončić received some criticism for his defense and attitude. Perhaps there is more to the story than what’s public right now.

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February 2, 2025