lakers land luka in blockbuster trade
The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers United in a three team trade with the Utah Jazz to make one of the most shocking trades in not only NBA, but professional sports history. It left the entire sports world in shock. In the first five days following the trade ESPN made a total of 63 posts on Instagram about the trade.
The Mavericks sent Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris, and superstar Luka Doncic for Max Christie, a 2029 first round pick, and 2024 All-NBA Center Anthony Davis. The Jazz received Jalen Hood-Schifino, and two 2025 second round picks.
This trade marks the first time that two All-NBA players have ever been traded for each other. The trade came just eight months after the Mavericks made it to the NBA championship on the back of Luka Doncic.
Mavs fans were outraged with the trade. Some did not believe that the report was true, and others hoped for the NBA to step in and veto it. Fans did not understand the reasoning behind the team getting rid of their 25 year old superstar for a 31 year old Anthony Davis.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison faced backlash from angry fans wanting an answer to why he would trade the face of the franchise. Nico Harrison gave the reasoning that “defense wins championships” and cited Doncic’s conditioning. He also made it known that he acted alone, and made sure that nobody in the organization, including head coach Jason Kidd, knew about the trade before it happened.
Doncic going to LA pairs him with Lebron James as his career is slowly coming to an end. Doncic said that James was his favorite player growing up, and James has said that Doncic is his favorite player in the NBA right now.
The Lakers sit at fifth place in the western conference with a 31-19 record. Doncic has not made his debut with the team yet, but they hope to have him back for their game against the Jazz on Monday.
The Mavericks sit at eighth place in the Western conference with a 28-25 record. Christie has played three games with the team. He is averaging 17.6 points in his first three games. Anthony Davis made his debut on Friday against the Rockets. He scored 26 points, got 16 rebounds, and had seven assists. He would leave the game early with a lower body injury, but Dallas hopes to have him back soon.
Mason Garcia
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Writer
