I had initially planned an entire article about something silly, like how Mike Tomlin forgot there were other rounds to the playoffs beyond the wildcard, or something about the tank fail that the Patriots pulled off this year. Then, I saw what I can only describe as the worst thing to happen in the year of our lord, two thousand and twenty five: Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis and a few other pieces, in a three-team trade that has sent massive ripples through the entire league.
The Los Angeles Lakers are getting Luka, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. It’s obvious that Luka is the centerpiece of this trade, because while the other players might be great role players (I briefly glanced at Morris’ numbers, there’s a lot of single digits there), they’re not really anything to write home about. Luka is 25, has a long time left in the league, and has consistently been just outside the “best player in the league” conversation. It’s gotten to the point where the guy’s just throwing out triple doubles (three double-digits stats, like points, rebounds, and assists) like they’re nothing. Luka Doncic has the Mavericks’ franchise record. He is the type of player you build your franchise around.
That’s why it’s shocking to see the guy shipped off to LA to fit into whatever strange, misshapen mess still lives in what is the most successful NBA franchise outside of the Celtics. The Lakers are storied, their legacy is decades old, and they’ve been the flashy “it” team for the West Coast, barring a few years where Golden State decided to give them a run for their money. They’re now boasting both LeBron James and Luka Doncic — which is an amazing pairing for any team — as well as solid players in Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves. The team has spent the better part of the last couple years getting carried to the playoffs by LeBron, Anthony Davis, and a few role players, and now it seems they might have the resources to make a big step over the hump.
On the other hand, the Mavs took on… an aging Anthony Davis, good for about forty-odd games a season if he’s feeling up to it. AD is chronically injured, and even in this era of load management, the best ability is availability. AD isn’t a splash choice, the Mavs aren’t stocking up for their future, I’m pretty sure they’re just hedging their bets and taking people who have paid off so they can let the dice roll as they may this season. However, the idea is still exceptionally dangerous for a team that has underperformed. If AD isn’t going to change the culture, the Mavs just threw away their future for… lord knows, AD’s defense? I can’t imagine this being the peace the Mavs needed to make things work, and if it is, I’m worried what that team has to look forward to.
Finally, the Utah Jazz-men got a few picks and made things easier. Shoutout. That’s the definition of showing up and just vibing your way to a good deal. They’re doing great overall.
The trade, in my eyes, is lopsidedly pro-Lakers. The Mavs are gonna regret this, but until then, there’s still a lot of basketball left to be played.
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