Luka Dončić Traded to Lakers: Devin Booker Trolls Mavericks in Classic Rivalry Moment

On the night of February 1, 2025, the NBA world was left reeling after a shocking three-team trade sent Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. In exchange, the Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick, while the Utah Jazz also got in on the action, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino and a pair of second-round picks.

While the trade undoubtedly took center stage, there was one player who couldn’t resist taking a playful jab at the Mavericks — Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker. The rivalry between Booker and Dončić has been well-documented, and Booker's reaction to the news of the trade sparked plenty of attention across social media.

A Blockbuster Trade That Shakes the NBA

The trade immediately sent shockwaves through the league. Luka Dončić, one of the NBA's brightest young stars, had been a cornerstone of the Dallas Mavericks since 2018. Despite his superstar status and his untouchable reputation, Dončić was part of the trade that shocked fans and analysts alike. The Lakers, already stacked with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, were poised to get even stronger with the addition of Dončić, who brings scoring, playmaking, and an all-around dynamic skill set.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks received a seasoned superstar in Davis, along with a promising young talent in Christie and a future first-round pick, setting them up for what could be a new era of Mavericks basketball.

Devin Booker's Response: A Classic Troll

Amid the chaos surrounding the trade, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, who has had his fair share of memorable moments against Dončić, wasted no time in trolling the Mavericks. The two players share a fiery rivalry that started in the 2022 NBA Playoffs, when Dončić led the Mavericks to a Game 7 blowout victory over the Suns in the Western Conference semifinals. The game became iconic for several reasons, including a memorable image of Dončić staring down Booker — a moment that has since become a meme in the NBA community.

The Mavericks’ social media team, known for engaging fans in playful banter, used that very meme just days before the trade was announced, responding to a fan who called them out for posting a random picture. The Mavs cheekily added, "Ok last one we swear."

As the news of the trade broke, Booker responded to the Mavs' meme by sharing it in his own social media post. It was a playful acknowledgment of their rivalry, but it also served as a subtle reminder that Booker's Suns have always been competitive with Dončić’s Mavericks.

Booker’s Reaction to Luka's Move to the Lakers

When the trade news reached Booker during the Suns' game against the Portland Trail Blazers, he had a hilarious reaction. A fan in the stands broke the news to him, and Booker, jokingly confused, asked, "Luka... Luka Garza?" — referencing the Minnesota Timberwolves' center — before expressing disbelief.

"Crazy, man. I really don’t know what to say about it," Booker remarked, adding, "Luka being a guy that everybody has claimed is untouchable and untradeable. The NBA shows you again. Can’t predict. It’s a business. They’re always having a conversation about you. So don’t think you’re safer than you are."

Booker also reflected on his competitive history with Dončić. The Suns hold a 12-4 edge over the Mavericks in regular-season matchups, but Dončić has been the more successful player in the postseason, with a 4-3 advantage in playoff games. The rivalry is far from over, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter, which is set for March 16, when the Lakers host the Suns at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The Future of the Rivalry

The March 16 matchup between the Lakers and Suns will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated games of the season, as Dončić, now wearing purple and gold, faces off against Booker and the Suns. The two stars' history is rich with drama and intense competition, and this new chapter promises to be even more explosive with the change of scenery for Dončić.

As for the Mavericks, the trade is a bold move in their quest to build a championship-contending team around Anthony Davis. With the addition of Davis, along with the young talent in Christie and the potential of the 2029 draft pick, the Mavericks are positioning themselves for a future that might not feature Dončić but could still have a competitive edge in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the Lakers, already one of the top teams in the league, have just added one of the best young players in the NBA to an already stacked roster. The combination of Dončić, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis makes the Lakers the clear favorites to challenge for another title.

Conclusion: A New Era in the NBA

The Luka Dončić trade has undeniably shifted the balance of power in the NBA. The Lakers are now the team to beat, with a roster that includes three of the league’s most dominant players. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are retooling for the future, with Anthony Davis as their new centerpiece.

As for the rivalry between Dončić and Booker? It’s far from over. With both players in different uniforms, fans can expect even more drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments in the years to come.

For now, the NBA is buzzing with excitement over this blockbuster trade, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how it all plays out on the court.