The Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers shocked the NBA world for several reasons. One of these was the Mavericks' decision to split up the superstar duo of Doncic and Kyrie Irving that had just made the NBA Finals.

Nico Harrison chose to shorten the Dallas Mavericks’ title contention window in February when he traded Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Dallas general manager said he believed that with a team built around 31-year-old Anthony Davis and 32-year-old Kyrie Irving,

It’s the biggest setback so far this season among a slew of injuries for the Mavericks. They lost 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis to a groin injury in his Dallas debut

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis, center, shakes hands with guard Kyrie Irving (11) before an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles.

The deal shined the spotlight on the Mavericks' new starting lineup with Anthony Davis as the team's new star player opposite Kyrie Irving at the point guard position. The Mavericks have begun starting 2021 second round pick (number 44 overall out of Pepperdine University) Kessler Edwards at the power forward position.