Anthony Davis spoke to reporters for the first time since getting traded to the Dallas Mavericks from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Luka Dončić.
While Dončić was introduced to the Los Angeles media, Davis met with reporters during the Mavericks’ shootaround before Tuesday’s game versus the Philadelphia 76ers. Like virtually everyone involved in the blockbuster trade who wasn’t in the Lakers or Mavericks front offices, Davis said he had no idea any sort of deal was in the works.
“I was shocked. I didn’t know,” Davis said, via the Dallas Morning News’ Mike Curtis. “I was actually at home, about to watch a movie with my wife and got the phone call. I had no idea. I just sent the team a text about congratulations on the win over the Knicks, big win. Looking forward to Tuesday’s game against the Clippers, as far as standings purposes.
“I found out like an hour later I was no longer with the team. I was in shock, obviously. I had no idea that was happening,” he added. “But now, I’m kind of over it and just getting ready to play with Dallas.”
Davis added that he was excited to reunite with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who established a relationship with the forward while he worked with Nike. Following news of the trade breaking, Harrison expressed his belief that Davis’ defense would help Dallas win a championship.
“Nico believes in me, what I can add to this team,” Davis said.
Davis also has familiarity with head coach Jason Kidd, who was an assistant with the Lakers from 2019-21, which included the 2020 NBA championship.
In the aftermath of the trade, Davis expressed his gratitude to the Lakers and Los Angeles fans on social media, adding later that he was excited to join the Mavericks and do “something special.”
Davis will not play in Tuesday’s matchup versus the Sixers due to an abdominal strain that sidelined him for the past two games. However, Max Christie, who accompanied Davis to Dallas in the trade along with Markieff Morris, will play against Philadelphia.
If Davis gets through workouts without difficulty, he could return for the final game of the Mavericks’ four-game road trip Thursday against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics.
Otherwise, Davis expects to play in Dallas’ first home game since the trade on Saturday versus the Houston Rockets.
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