The NBA sent shockwaves through the sports community on Sunday morning as NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, were traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for power forward Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a to be determined 2029 first-round pick.
Doncic quickly established himself as the Mavericks’ franchise player after being drafted in 2018, earning five All-Star appearances and leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, according to the Daily Mail. Davis has had a similar impact on the Lakers after being traded from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019, helping lead Los Angeles to their 2020 NBA Championship.
The trade came as a surprise to sports fans who heard no rumors beforehand. In fact, some thought the news of the trade was a hoax when it was initially announced.
“It’s otherworldly. It doesn’t make sense. It’s not a feasible or practical move in my opinion,” Knicks fan Quincy Baker said. “You wouldn’t even get this trade in 2K. This is a fantasy trade.”
Some Lakers fans rejoiced at Doncic teaming up with LeBron James to try and lead them to their 18th NBA championship.
“I think the trade was great. I’m glad that happened,” senior Jaden McSeed said. “I’m excited to see LeBron and Luka team up; it’s going to be great times and great vibes. I can’t wait to see what happens.”
Los Angeles currently ranks 5th in the Western Conference standings with a record of 28-19 and adding Doncic who averages 28 points, despite missing time with a calf injury, according to CBS Sports.
Despite the high expectations of the revised Lakers team, some NBA fans are skeptical of the Lakers’ immediate title chances with their new dynamic duo immediately.
“At the end of the day, it will take a few years for the chemistry to actually work. LeBron and Luka, it does not make sense,” Knicks fan Brandon Peterson said on their potential early success. “That type of star power does not happen often, and it does not happen casually. It will take work. It will take a few years and it will not happen soon.”
Some NBA fans believe that the Mavericks came out of the trade as the better team, despite the popularity surrounding the Lakers’ new talent.
Dallas currently sits 9th in the West Coast Conference with a 26-24 record. Adding Anthony Davis to a team with guards Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson has made some fans optimistic about Dallas’s future.
“I think this is a win for the Mavericks,” senior Trevor Johnson said. “I think Kyrie and AD are going to match up better than LeBron and Luka.”’
As the trade fallout continues, fans continue to speculate who will raise the Larry O’Brien trophy this summer. Baker said he does not think the trade made the Lakers or Mavericks championship favorites.
“I think the Thunder is still going to be very good. Their core is mostly developed now,” he said. “They have experience under their belt, and the Celtics are going to be hard to beat.”
The Lakers and Mavericks are set to face off for the first time since the trade on Feb. 25, airing on TNT, where both teams are expected to have their newly added superstars back from injury.
Copy edited by Aniyah Genama
