"Let's Make A Deal: The Trade Nobody Dreamed Of"

Man oh man... If you've been living under a rock since late Saturday 
night... It's the old saying: "Where were you when?" In all my years of 
covering, watching NBA this caught everyone off guard. A lot of "khaos" 
to unpack in what's been a crazy forty-eight hours. Buckle up, sit tight 
and allow the voice of reason break this down.

After a big win over the New York Knicks Saturday night, Lakers forward 
LeBron James had put on a show for basketball fans and son Bronny 
James made his MSG debut. In which three and defensive specialist 
Max Christie had a great game as well. Everyone celebrated this big 
win, retreating back to hotel rooms before boarding a flight back west 
Sunday morning.

Here's where we get fleeced and shocked as fans. Shortly after 
midnight eastern time, breaking news from trusted NBA insider and 
reporter Shams Charania tweets Lakers forward Anthony is being 
traded to Dallas for superstar Luka Doncic. Now, everyone in the NBA 
universe thought it was a hacked tweet. Fans were saying "naw, this 
gotta be a joke."

Shortly thereafter, it was all over major sports networks as insiders were 
working extra to gather information. Current players were shocked, fans, 
any and everybody who didn't see this occurring as the big splash 
leading into Thursday's trade deadline. A lot of questions, who did and 
said what will eventually be revealed during player introductory press 
conferences.

As the voice of khaos, this caught me off guard. No rumblings or rumor 
mills spinning Doncic was available in a trade. Out with a calf injury, his 
return was going to be evaluated the coming week. Dallas is fighting for 

their playoff spot and striving to get out the play-in tournament. There's 
been concerns with conditioning over the last few years. Minor injuries 
have been a problem for Doncic but still producing 30 points, 8 assists 
and 7 rebounds a game.

After leading Dallas back to the NBA Finals in 2024, it felt like this 
team's ceiling was still very high. Still producing triple doubles, and 
putting fans in the stands, it wasn't enough for management. Weight 
concerns and the ability to give Doncic a superman deal north of $350 
million dollars over five years, the fear of being held captive and not 
competing raised red flags.

To the Lakers side of this historic trade, power forward Anthony Davis 
has been one of the top three big men in the league. All First Team 
Defense and an NBA Champion in 2020. Durability has been warranted 
with Davis, but he managed to take a page out of James' book and 
investing his body. His comments two weeks ago about the Lakers 
needing a center to allow him play the "four" suits him best.

A subliminal shot at Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and the talks were about to 
heat up. After a game in Dallas, Mavs GM Nico Harrison and Pelinka 
met for a while discussing a potential trade in swapping superstar 
players. No national media outlets knew, players, coaches, any reliable 
sources were aware of this trade. It was kept hush-hush to avoid 
distractions in striking a deal.

Davis' last game as a Laker was dominant with a 42 point 23 rebound
surge over lowly Charlotte in a road win. An abdominal strain put Davis
on ice. It was supposed to be a celebratory moment in New York, but
here we are on the final leg of this trade.

It's not everyday two superstars are swapped without any details
leading into an agreement. Doncic is at the ripe age of 25 and just
getting started; whereas Davis will turn 32 years old and playing his best
basketball. Dallas' willingness to cover ground now while giving the keys
to Kyrie Irving and pairing with Davis gives them a chance to win now.
Coaching, roster depth and cap relief by canceling out Doncic's
supermax deal allows more flexibility. Davis can roam around and play
his natural position of power forward; which is what he wanted.

Lakers trading away Davis is a move now for the future in making
Doncic the cornerstone player. With James' tenure likely concluding
within the next year or so, Pelinka started the process to avoid backlash
later on. Los Angeles' lack of drafting and developing is well known.
Trading for superstar players is the blueprint and building around them.
Doncic is a generational talent and those aren't available every year.

The move had to be made for Los Angeles and it was time to strike a
deal. It takes special players to don the purple and gold; greatness,
championship expectations, Lakers galore post playing career. Having
your jersey raised in the rafters is an honor next to fellow Laker greats.
Bright lights, bigger stage and winning championships with superstar
players.
Doncic will have to get in the best shape possible and carry the mantle
of being a Laker. There's no more excuses, as he prepares for the prime
of his career in Los Angeles. Can he adjust his game and sharpen his
defensive weaknesses? The Lakers gave up Max Christie and a 2029
first round pick. Dallas sent Maxi Kleber, Markeef Morris in the trade to
Los Angeles.

For both teams, who wins this trade will come to pass in April. It's going
to be very interesting for both as this trade steals Super Bowl week. No
player is safe or protected in sports; regardless if you're an NBA All First

Team player or strong rotational guy. Which GM will find themselves
keeping or losing their job in 2026?

Stai tuned.