Anthony Davis admitted he was just like everybody else upon hearing the news that he had been traded from the Los Angeles Lakers and that he was “shocked” over his blockbuster deal to the Dallas Mavericks.

Davis wasn’t even with his then-Los Angeles teammates at the time of the trade. He actually just finished watching the Lakers upset the Knicks in New York on television.

Article continues after this advertisement

Back in Los Angeles, Davis received a call from Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick and was informed that he was being traded in a deal that included Luka Doncic.

READ: Anthony Davis bids farewell to Lakers, ready for ‘next chapter’

“We’ve been wanting to play alongside each other for a very long time.” – AD on playing with Kai

Watch AD’s full media availability on YouTube ⤵️https://t.co/1MWK25dHWP@ATT // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/4ACEjlfNHR

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 4, 2025

“I was shocked. I had no idea,” Davis said after the Mavericks held their morning shootaround on Tuesday ahead of their game against the host Philadelphia 76ers.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I had just sent the team a text about congratulations on the win against the Knicks, big win, and then looking forward to Tuesday’s game against the Clippers, as far as standing purposes. And then, found out like an hour later I was no longer with the team. I was in shock, obviously. Had no idea that it was happening.

“But, I mean, now I’m kind of over it, and just kind of getting ready to play with Dallas.”

READ: Mavericks boss defends Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade

Davis, who is nursing an abdominal strain, will not join his new teammates in their game against the 76ers.

The 31-year-old Davis has put up averages of 25.7 points, 11.9 boards, 3.4 assists and 2.1 blocks across 42 games (all starts) during the 2024-25 campaign. He is a 10-time All-Star (including this season), five-time All-NBA selection and five-time All-Defensive Team selection.