Anthony Davis has long been one of the NBA’s most dominant big men, a force on both ends of the floor with a rare combination of size, skill, and versatility. As of February 2025, Davis is 31 years old and in his 13th NBA season — an established veteran with a championship pedigree and a résumé that speaks for itself.
Now, after spending nearly five seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Davis finds himself in a new chapter of his career. The blockbuster trade that sent him to the Dallas Mavericks has shaken up the Western Conference, marking the end of Luka Dončić’s time in Dallas and giving Davis a fresh opportunity to be the centerpiece of a franchise once again.
Anthony Davis’ NBA Journey
Davis was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, entering the league as one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory. Over his seven seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans/Hornets, he established himself as one of the most elite two-way players in NBA history, averaging 23.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while collecting numerous All-Star selections.
However, Davis’ time in New Orleans was defined by individual excellence rather than team success. The Pelicans made the playoffs just twice during his tenure, advancing past the first round only once. Seeking a better shot at a championship, Davis forced his way to the Lakers in 2019, where he formed an immediate bond with LeBron James.
The move paid off immediately, as Davis was instrumental in helping the Lakers capture the 2020 NBA title, cementing his legacy as a champion. Despite the early success in Los Angeles, injuries and roster instability made it difficult for the Lakers to replicate their dominance. Now, Davis gets a chance to redefine his career in Dallas, stepping into a situation where he no longer has to defer to another superstar.
The Blockbuster Trade: Dallas Bets on Davis
The trade that sent shockwaves through the league saw the Mavericks send Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Lakers in exchange for Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz also got involved, receiving Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks in the deal.
For the Mavericks, this move represents a gamble — but one with potentially massive rewards. Davis, when healthy, is a top-10 player in the NBA, capable of anchoring an elite defense while dominating offensively both in the paint and from mid-range. The move also pairs him with Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving, two former champions, in what could be one of the most dynamic trios in the league.
Thompson has won four championships with the Golden State Warriors, while both Davis and Irving have each won one title; in those instances, they played second fiddle to James. Now, in Dallas, Davis will have more freedom to take on the role he had in New Orleans — where he was the clear-cut No. 1 option. If he stays healthy, he has a chance to remind the league why he was once considered the future of the NBA.
A New Era in Dallas
The decision to trade Dončić, a generational talent, was not one the Mavericks made lightly. But with Dallas reportedly growing frustrated with its direction with Dončić, Dallas saw an opportunity to reshape its future. Davis brings championship experience, elite defense, and a presence in the paint that the Mavericks have lacked for years.
If Davis can stay on the court and perform at the level he’s capable of, the Mavericks could emerge as a serious contender in the West. This trade wasn’t just about shaking things up — it was about trusting that Davis, at 31 years old, still has plenty left in the tank and can help the Mavs win a championship now rather than later.
