In a move that has left the basketball world reeling, the Dallas Mavericks have traded their star player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Doncic, who was eligible to sign a five-year, $345 million extension with the Mavericks this summer, now dons the Lakers' purple and gold. The trade, finalized this week, has sparked intense reactions across the NBA, leaving both fans and executives in disbelief.
Doncic led the NBA in scoring last season, averaging 33.9 points per game, showcasing his prowess on the court. He nearly achieved a triple-double, with impressive statistics of 9.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game. Despite his phenomenal performance, the Mavericks opted to trade him, a decision that has shocked many within and outside the organization.
The Mavericks deliberated over Doncic's weight throughout his career. Ideally, they wanted him at 245 pounds, a weight they believed would allow him to optimize his quickness and minimize injury risk while still using his power to overpower defenders. However, Doncic typically played in the 250-255 pound range, weighing 255 pounds during an MRI on his calf in late January.
Despite initial hesitations from Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban, who was reportedly reluctant to part with their star player, the Lakers were given an opportunity to bid for Doncic's services. A team source had confidently stated, "No way Mark would ever trade Luka." Nevertheless, the Mavericks ultimately traded him to the Lakers in exchange for a single first-round pick and veteran player Anthony Davis.
The decision has drawn comparisons to the infamous 2001 trade that would have sent Kobe Bryant to the Minnesota Timberwolves, which was ultimately vetoed by then-NBA Commissioner David Stern. The trade of Doncic to the Lakers has been seen as similarly shocking, with executives around the league expressing both fury and jealousy.
Many within the Mavericks organization and those close to it have expressed surprise and disappointment over the trade. Luka's father, Sasa Doncic, voiced his dismay over the situation.
"I think that exactly this secrecy, or should I say from some individuals, maybe even hypocrisy, this hurts me personally," said Sasa Doncic.
He further elaborated on his son's contributions and respect for Dallas.
"I think that Luka absolutely doesn't deserve this…. I feel like this is very unfair from some individuals because I know that Luka respected Dallas a lot. He respected the whole city, helped children. It was never a problem for him to go to hospitals and to orphanages and to all of these charity events."
Despite being traded, Doncic's on-court performance remains unquestionable. As one All-Star noted:
"He still goes out and gives you 33-9-9 every night."
Lakers executives view Doncic as the successor to Kobe Bryant as the face of their franchise. The move is seen as a strategic attempt by the Lakers to strengthen their roster and secure a bright future.
Mavericks General Manager Harrison acknowledged the potential backlash from fans but stood by the decision.
"The easiest thing for me to do is nothing, and everyone would praise me for doing nothing. But we really believe in it. Time will tell if I'm right."
Harrison further addressed the frustrations of Mavericks fans.
"I'm sorry [fans] are frustrated, but it's something that we believe in as an organization."
He also expressed his belief that this decision preempted what could have been a challenging summer for the team.
"I feel like we got out in front of what could have been a tumultuous summer."
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