Luka Doncic will probably be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, and the transfer is sending shockwaves rippling all through the NBA.
The commerce was so jaw-dropping that ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania was believed to have been hacked when he introduced it. However quickly after final night time’s reveal, extra particulars concerning the three-team swap between the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz got here to gentle.
The Lakers are receiving Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris from the Mavs. Dallas is ready to obtain Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round choose from the Lakers. The Jazz will obtain Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2025 second-round choose from the Los Angeles Clippers, and a second-round choose from the Mavericks.
Mavericks common supervisor Nico Harrison defined his motivation for the commerce that despatched Doncic to the Lakers.
“I consider that protection wins championships,” he instructed ESPN. “I consider that getting an all-defensive middle and an all-NBA participant with a defensive mindset offers us a greater likelihood. We’re constructed to win now and sooner or later.”
Harrison and the Mavs could purchase, and consider, this rationalization. However NBA gamers in all places have been extra shocked than something once they came upon.
One among them was Kevin Durant, who seemingly came upon mid-game and appeared shocked by the information.
After the sport, Durant spoke with the press concerning the transfer, saying “It’s loopy … I might have by no means thought Luka Doncic would get traded at this age, mid-season.
“This gotta be the most important commerce I’ve seen since I’ve been within the league or since I’ve been watching the game, that is insane,” KD added.
Devin Booker additionally chimed in, telling media that even the most important gamers aren’t protected on the buying and selling block.
“It is a enterprise,” he mentioned. “They’re at all times having a dialog about you. Do not assume that you simply’re protected.”
Gamers aren’t the one ones speaking concerning the commerce. Lil Wayne hopped on X to share his unfiltered opinion on the large transfer.
“Lawwwwwwd have mercy!!!! Kuz my Lakers r clearly cruel!!!! This sh!t bout to be krazy slime!! Laker Luka?!?! Wow,” the rapper wrote.
Try another main reactions under.