The Luka Dončić trade to the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t just shake up the Western Conference—it changed the entire NBA landscape. It was one of the most unexpected blockbuster moves in recent memory.
The trade secured the Lakers’ future and signaled a transition into the post-LeBron James era. For the Dallas Mavericks, it brought in Anthony Davis and reinforced their defensive, win-now mindset with veterans Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson.
But even months later, Dončić’s stunning departure is still making headlines. The latest came when Mavericks CEO Rick Welts shared behind-the-scenes details about the trade involving GM Nico Harrison and team owner Patrick Dumont.
‘We’re Gonna Trade Luka Dončić’ — Rick Welts Recounts Late-Night Call Before Shocking Deal
According to Mavs reporter Joey Mistretta, during an appearance at The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything event, Welts spoke about the night he learned Dončić was headed to L.A.
“I’m wide awake in bed… About 90 minutes before that, I got a call from Patrick Dumont… ‘Hey Rick, hey we’re gonna make a trade.'” When asked what the move was, Dumont replied: “We’re gonna trade Luka to the Lakers.” The discussion shocked Welts, and the trade went through soon after, shocking the rest of the world.
At the WSJ’s The Future of Everything event today, which I was invited to attend virtually, Mavericks CEO Rick Welts was asked where he was when the Luka Doncic trade was made: “I’m wide awake in bed… About 90 minutes before that I got a call from Patrick Dumont… ‘Hey Rick,…
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) May 28, 2025
Dončić made an instant impact with the Lakers. In 28 games, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks while building strong chemistry with James and Austin Reaves. The Lakers reached the first round of the playoffs but were knocked out 4-1 by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks’ season fell apart after injuries to Davis and Irving. They missed the playoffs entirely.
Looking ahead, Dončić is expected to stay with the Purple and Gold long-term, alongside James, who is expected to pick up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-2026 season, as the Lakers work to build the perfect supporting cast.
Dallas, on the other hand, is resetting. After an improbable NBA lottery, which saw the Mavericks get the first overall pick with just a 1.8% chance, they’re frontrunners to land Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft. They are also reportedly targeting veteran point guards like Lonzo Ball, Paul George, and Jrue Holiday to help manage the floor until Irving returns.
