Anthony Davis pulls out ‘Top 75’ credentials to remind heart-broken fans on Luka Doncic trade

In an exclusive interview with the Dallas Mavericks, Anthony Davis reassures fans that he is ready to step in and fill Luka Doncic's shoes.

Anthony Davis pulls out ‘Top 75’ credentials to remind heart-broken fans on Luka Doncic trade

Anthony Davis

For most of the 2025 regular season, the blockbuster trade involving a surprising swap of two All-Stars, Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, has been a major topic of conversation. Dallas acquired AD, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Doncic. Since then, there has been a growing debate over who is the clear winner of this business decision.

The Lakers are clearly on an upswing since Luka Magic became the face of their franchise. The Dallas Mavericks, on the other hand, are plagued with injuries, with all of their stars—like Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II, to name a few—sidelined. This season has clearly been a disaster for the franchise.

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However, there’s a glimmer of hope. The ten-time All-Star just gave an interview, a Mavs TV exclusive, in which he assured fans that he is ready to replace Luka.

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I know who I am as a player. I’m top 75 of all time, and I just want to let the Dallas fans know like, ‘Hey, I got you, I’m here now.’ So, like, I know you lost a superstar in Luka, but you also gain a superstar like myself.

Anthony Davis said

Since landing in Dallas, AD has only played one game as a Maverick. Although he was nothing short of spectacular, midway through his debut, he sustained a non-contact left adductor strain. Prior to leaving the floor, he added 26 points on perfect shooting from beyond the arc while grabbing 16 rebounds and 7 assists.

However, the mood has shifted since. Most fans were already dismayed by the departure of the Slovenian sensation. Now, their frustration is further fueled by the team’s recurring injury luck. This has an esteemed NBA insider concerned about whether the team’s owners can withstand the meltdown.

Lakers’ owner throws subtle shade at Anthony Davis to justify trade decision

In a recent interview, Jeanie Buss, the controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers, opened up about her life and business experiences. She talked about how important it was to keep the deal secretive and that the Lakers didn’t want to lose Davis. However, her words said otherwise.

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We have lost the last three years in a row to the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs, and we really didn’t have anything that was going to look different going into the playoffs again. Anthony Davis was complaining about where he was being played and he wasn’t happy. So I think this was a positive for both teams.

Jeanie Buss remarked via NPR’s morning edition

Nonetheless, AD is now with a different and the Lakers too are on a different trajectory now. The Mavericks may have limited opportunities to see Davis in action this season, depending on his return timeline, but he appears prepared to lead the team once he’s back on the court.