(Image via newsweek.com)
Staff Writer: Aidan Danforth
Email: adanforth@umassd.edu
Picture this: an NBA fan wakes up on February 1st and checks their phone. Next, they see a post that shows Luka Dončić in a Los Angeles Lakers jersey. Immediately, they and many others believe this must be an April fools joke.
No one could imagine the Dallas Mavericks moving on from the player that defines their franchise, but that is the case. Not even a year after appearing in the NBA finals, the Dallas Mavericks decided to trade franchise star Luka Dončić for Lakers defensive center Anthony Davis (AD).
The Dončić-Davis trade is easily one of the most shocking trades in sports history. Not even the players or the coaches could have seen this coming. Here is a breakdown for each side of this jaw-dropping trade—and what exactly it could mean for each franchise.
Mavericks Get a Huge Upgrade Defensively but Downgrade Offensively
Before this trade, the Mavericks defense landed in the middle of the pack. Fine, but not great. The defense gets a huge boost by adding AD, who is one of the best defensive centers in the NBA.
The Mavericks also received a 2029 first round pick and shooting guard Max Christe. Part of the decision to trade Luka included issues with the front office and his weight increasing to 269 pounds.
In 2012, Davis was drafted first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans. Over the course of 14 seasons, Davis has averaged 10.7 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals.
He is now coming off a season where he averaged 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.1 blocks.
His Mavericks debut gave fans much needed optimism. Davis had 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 blocks in a 116-105 against the Houston Rockets.
Yet, fans will now have to wait to see more of Davis. After the Rockets game, Davis suffered a groin injury that is projected to sideline him for the next month.
One thing that has held Davis back for most of his career is his injury history—a risk the Mavs were willing to take. Dallas also took a gamble with downgrading their offense. Their best offensive players included Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson.
One of those players must step up. During Luka’s time in Dallas, he has turned into the face of the franchise. Dallas initially got Kyrie and Thompson to give Luka the best chance to win a title.
Now that Luka is gone, Dallas has to hope the team can find offensive success with what they have. With Davis’s injury, Dallas needs to find ways to win to at least get a play-in spot, giving them a chance at the finals with their new win-now squad.
Lakers Build for the Future and Pair Two Superstars
The Lakers get a superstar who is arguably one of the best point guards, and perhaps even one of the best players in the NBA. Luka’s coming off a season where he averaged 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists, ultimately leading his team to an NBA finals appearance.
This season, he’s averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists before getting injured on Christmas Day against the Timberwolves.
There is no telling when Luka will return, but when he does, he’ll step onto the court with Lebron James. The Lakers have already had success this season, going 31-9, and are currently 5th in the west.
The team is poised to make the playoffs and compete for another NBA title. As much as acquiring Luka points to more wins now, it also signals success in the future. Luka is in his prime at only 25 years old.
On the other hand, Lebron is 40 years old and will likely retire within the next few years. This trade assures that Los Angeles will remain competitive long after Lebron retires.
The only downside to acquiring Luka is their defense. Los Angeles is going to need players to step up in order to fill the defensive void of AD. As for offense, when Luka comes back, the duo of Luke and Lebron will be loads of fun for fans to watch.
The sky’s the limit for the Lakers. They may not be able to keep up with teams like the Thunder and Grizzlies, but if they can improve their defense and utilize Luka and Lebron to their best, this team can turn deadly.
Los Angeles initially had a trade in place for Hornets center Mark Williams. However, the trade was voided due to Williams failing a physical.
Both sides are in a new situation. With a team of veterans who contribute to a strong offense and defense, the Mavericks are in a position to win. Meanwhile, the Lakers upgrade their already elite offense, while also building for the future.
For now, the Lakers appear to have won this trade. While they get a young superstar, Dallas receives a defensive center with an injury history. Now fans get to watch and see how each player fairs on their new team.