Anthony Davis spoke for the first time on Monday after his shocking trade from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić.
“6 years ago, I came here with the vision to win a Championship, and I will never forget the moment we did! The business of basketball is a business just like all other businesses,” Davis shared on Instagram with a video showing clips from his time in LA.
“I am grateful to the city where my first ring came from, grew my family and friendships and I will always have a home here. My family and I thank everyone who made this place home and we are still thinking of those that lost their homes in the fires. To my teammates: our friendships go beyond a locker room and a jersey.
“LA will always have a special place in my heart. Every great story has an exciting next chapter … Dallas – Here we come!”
In one of the most surprising trades in NBA history, the Lakers traded Davis, Max Christie, and their 2029 first-round pick to the Mavericks in exchange for Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris.
Davis (left) will now play for the Mavericks, while Dončić (right) will join the Lakers.
The trade caught the entire NBA off guard, with top players around the league sharing their shock on social media.
Davis was traded to the Lakers from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 and won an NBA title in his first season with the team.
Though Davis struggled with injuries at times, he was an incredibly productive player when healthy.
He formed a strong partnership with LeBron James, who wished him well in the comments of his Instagram post: “My DOG!!!! You dat muthaf*cka!! Go do you CHAMP!!!!”
The 31-year-old Davis is a nine-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA First Team selection, five-time NBA All-Defensive Team member, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA.
Now, Davis will team up with Kyrie Irving in Dallas, while James and Dončić will wear the Lakers’ purple and gold.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry also reacted to the trade, expressing his surprise after the Warriors’ win over the Orlando Magic on Monday.
“Just because of how out of the blue it was – no hints, no rumors, not a single sign – especially after the (Mavericks) came out of the (NBA) Finals,” Curry said. “That’s a reminder that there are only a few in this league that can go to sleep with any type of confidence.
“It’s a very unique situation. The idea that this happened is pretty crazy. When you hear a trade like that, you think somebody’s hacked.”
