Anthony Davis messaged LA Lakers one hour before he was traded to Dallas Mavericks

All-star forward Anthony Davis has already joined the Dallas Mavericks after being traded by the Los Angeles Lakers over the weekend. Davis is with the team in Philadelphia to support his new club against the 76ers though he won't make his official debut on the court for at least a few more days.

Regardless, Davis is moving on following six years with the Lakers where he won his first NBA Championship in 2020. When healthy, the soon-to-be 32-year-old is still one of the top two-way big men in the league.

Davis was around the Mavericks during shootaround prior to the game on Tuesday night. That gave him his first opportunity to speak with the media and share his thoughts on the trade that sent Davis to Dallas and Luka Doncic to Los Angeles.

Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis — Dec 12, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket past Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The former No. 1 overall pick made it clear that he had no idea the shocking move was coming. Davis was sitting down with his wife to watch a movie when he got the call, sharing that he had just texted the team about an hour prior to congratulate them on their 128-112 road victory against the Knicks. Davis wasn't with the Lakers as he's been recovering from an abdomen strain since late January.

"I was shocked, like I said, I didn't know. I was actually at home about to watch a movie with my wife and got the phone call so I had no idea," Davis said according to The Dallas Morning News' Mike Curtis. "I just sent the team a text about 'congratulations on a win against the Knicks, a big win, and looking forward to Tuesday's game against the Clippers for our standing purposes' then found out like an hour later I was no longer with the team."

Jan 27, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) shoots during pregame warm ups at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

"I was in shock, obviously, had no idea that was happening but I mean now I'm kind of over it and just trying to get ready to play with Dallas," Davis continued.

Anthony Davis on his initial reaction to the trade:

“I was shocked. I didn’t know. I was actually at home, about to watch a movie with my wife and got the phone call. I had no idea….Now I’m kind of over it and just getting ready to play with Dallas.” pic.twitter.com/IVdzsHFzGA
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) February 4, 2025

Davis went on to share some of his conversations with GM Nico Harrison over the last 48 hours. They are both excited about what the move might do for the Mavericks' hopes to return to the NBA Finals later this year.

"Obviously excited. Nico believes in me, what I can add to this team," Davis said. "I'm not going to put everything that we talked about out there but we're both extremely excited about what we can do and think we have a great opportunity to win a championship."