The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks shocked the sports world on Saturday, agreeing to a trade involving Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers are sending Max Christie, Anthony Davis and a 2029 first-round pick to the Mavericks in exchange for a trade package centered around Luka Doncic. Los Angeles will also receive Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris as part of this deal.
What makes this trade so surprising is that Dallas approached Los Angeles about this trade. They were willing to move on from Doncic due to concerns about his commitment to the franchise. The front office also wanted to prioritize its defense. At least that’s what general manager Nico Harrison said.
“I believe that defense wins championships,” Harrison said, via ESPN. “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”
Immediately after this trade was announced, countless athletes and media members went on social media to share their thoughts. For the most part, they were too stunned to fully articulate what just happened.
In their defense, we don’t understand why the Mavericks moved on from Doncic when he’s firmly in his prime.
Ryen Russillo said, “Am I insane for not understanding this?”
“Wait what? I’m sick right now,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said.
“They gonna let LeBron groom Luka to be the face of the league on Lakers,” former Celtics star Paul Pierce wrote on X.
“WOWWWWW NO F WAY,” Joel Embiid said.
“Gotta pack them bags just in case now a days. If the Don got traded only lord knows,” CJ McCollum said.
It’ll be interesting to see how Doncic performs in Los Angeles next to LeBron James. On paper, that’s a lethal combination.
The Lakers are currently in fifth place in the Western Conference. We’ll see if Doncic can make them a legitimate contender.
Related: Breaking: Luka Doncic Traded To Lakers, Anthony Davis To Mavericks In Blockbuster Deal