Luka Dončić to the Lakers: How the NBA All-Star Draft Predicted the Shocking Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers made a jaw-dropping move by trading for Luka Dončić, now in his prime. Many are calling it one of the most stunning trades in NBA history, but for those who have been paying close attention to the NBA All-Star Draft, this move wasn’t all that surprising.

Yes, the All-Star Draft, often seen as a gimmick to generate excitement for the weekend festivities, has turned out to be surprisingly accurate when predicting major NBA trades. Let’s take a trip down memory lane.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis: A Draft Foretelling

In the very first televised All-Star Draft in 2019, LeBron James, the captain of the Western Conference, selected Anthony Davis as one of his first picks. The East captain, Giannis Antetokounmpo, jokingly asked if that wasn’t “tampering.” LeBron, with a smile, responded, “Tampering rules don’t apply on All-Star weekend.”

For context, just before the 2018-19 season, Davis had hired LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, leading many to believe that LeBron was working on bringing Davis to Los Angeles. Once LeBron drafted him, it was clear what was about to happen. Months later, the Lakers traded for Davis, bringing him to LA.

LeBron and Westbrook: A Draft Connection

Fast forward to the 2020 and 2021 All-Star Drafts, where LeBron picked Russell Westbrook both years. In 2021, this selection seemed to be a strong hint at what was to come. A year later, the Lakers traded for Westbrook in a massive five-team trade, reuniting LeBron with his former MVP teammate. The All-Star Draft had once again been a predictor of future moves.

Kevin Durant and Devin Booker: A Foretelling of the Suns

In 2021, Kevin Durant, captain of the Eastern Conference, selected Devin Booker in the All-Star Draft. Durant didn’t stop there, picking Booker again in 2022. These selections seemed to signal Durant’s intentions. By the end of 2022, Durant had demanded a trade and moved to the Phoenix Suns to play alongside Booker.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard: A Surprising Draft Pick

In 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo surprised the basketball world by selecting Damian Lillard over his teammate, Jrue Holiday, in the All-Star Draft. LeBron, visibly taken aback, remarked that he had expected Giannis to choose Jrue. A year later, the Bucks traded Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Lillard, showing once again how the All-Star Draft often provides clues to future moves.

LeBron and Luka: The All-Star Draft’s Long-Term Prediction

Now, let’s talk about the connection between LeBron James and Luka Dončić. In 2021, the first time Luka was eligible for the All-Star Draft, LeBron selected him as one of his starters. The following year, when Luka was placed in the reserves, LeBron didn’t hesitate to pick him again. In 2023, LeBron made sure to secure Luka as a starter once more, continuing a trend of drafting him year after year.

Though the All-Star Draft was abolished in 2024, its impact is still felt today. LeBron’s consistent selections of Dončić may have been a signal that something bigger was in the works. Sure enough, in 2025, the Lakers traded for Dončić, sending Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in a three-team deal involving the Utah Jazz.

The Trade: A Reflection of the All-Star Draft’s Power

The trade sent shockwaves through the NBA: the Lakers acquired Dončić, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while Dallas received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick. The Jazz also played a role in the deal, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino and second-round picks from the Clippers and Mavericks.

Once again, the All-Star Draft predicted a seismic shift in the NBA. Just like the James-Davis, LeBron-Westbrook, Durant-Booker, and Giannis-Lillard connections, LeBron will now be teaming up with Luka, the player he’s admired and selected multiple times in the draft.

The All-Star Draft: More Than Just a Show

The NBA All-Star Draft has often been dismissed as a mere exhibition event, but it’s become a fascinating window into players’ preferences and intentions. Over the years, we’ve seen the draft reveal key trade developments and hinted at future superstar partnerships. LeBron James, in particular, has used the draft as a platform to express his admiration for players like Davis, Westbrook, and, of course, Luka Dončić.

In 2022, James even praised Luka on his HBO show “The Shop,” calling him a “gigantic” 6’8″ point guard with incredible vision and skill. James has clearly respected Dončić’s game for years, and now, they’ll finally share the court in Los Angeles.

Looking Forward: The NBA’s New Draft Format

While the All-Star Draft as we knew it is no longer a part of the festivities—replaced by a new format where three teams of general managers select players—it remains a reminder that sometimes, the NBA’s biggest moves can be predicted through the most unexpected channels.

As the NBA looks toward its next trade deadline, who knows what revelations the new draft format might bring. After all, the next big trade may already be taking shape right before our eyes.