If you are a fan of the association, you will forever remember where you were the day Luka Dončić was traded, and how that made you feel. It was a monumental moment in NBA lore. This trade has split the atom and sent shockwaves throughout the NBA. Rob Pelinka has become death. He has become the destroyer of worlds. The Los Angeles Lakers are back on top of the basketball world in the style of J. Robert Oppenheimer.
Where does that put Nico Harrison? He’s not Barbie I’ll tell you that much but he probably does need a journey of self discovery.
Side note: This would have been the Woj Bomb to end all Woj Bombs. I bet a little part of him wanted to drop this one.
The Brow is headed to Texas. He joins two former champions in hopes to contend for his second.
Luka Dončić traded for Anthony Davis
This is how the trade breaks down with Utah helping out:
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
- Luka Dončić
- Maxi Kleber
- Markieff Morris
Mavericks Receive:
- Anthony Davis
- Max Christie
- 2029 First-round Pick
Jazz Receive:
- Jalen Hood-Schifino
- 2025 Clippers Second-round Pick 2025
- Mavericks Second-Round Pick
Grateful for this amazing opportunity. Basketball means everything to me, and no matter where I play the game, I’ll do so with the same joy, passion and goal – to win championships. https://t.co/psfgI5o9Pn
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) February 2, 2025
As a Canadian it is hard not to be reminded of the Wayne Gretzky trade which still lives in infamy decades later. The 1988 trade shocked the sports world and had ‘The Great One’ in tears at the proceeding press conference. Edmonton was the ‘The City of Champions’ and they woke up and decided to end that. History may look back similarly to this move even though Luka isn’t a champion yet.
August 9, 1988: The Edmonton Oilers trade Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings.
pic.twitter.com/XntKIy1sns— This Day In Sports Clips (@TDISportsClips) August 10, 2024
The Lakers go from one duo of generational stars to another. It’s likely there is another move to make. Rumblings around the league are that they are now on the search for front court help. They can easily do this with moveable contracts in Gabe Vincent, the finally healthy Jared Vanderbilt, and their rookie-scale contracts. Dalton was a beloved rookie but he’s slowed of late. This recent trade proves everyone is tradable including Dalton Knecht.
Tim McMahan reporting that Luka was pushing 270lbs. Mavs tired of his conditioning issues.
— Don Harris (@DonHarris4) February 2, 2025
The Mavericks are poised to contend, at least that’s what the front office thinks, that is why they made the trade. They claimed Luka had become negligent in his duties as the franchise superstar. Now they have multiple champions together. Kyrie, Klay, and AD have formed a big three that is undeniably aged but has proven winning pedigree. Age and health are the only considerations stopping this trade from being a landslide victory for Nico Harrison and the Mavericks.
“I wish Luka the best. It was a joy to play with him in those 22 games we were together, but we’re obviously going to welcome AD with open arms.”
Klay Thompson reacts to Luka Doncic being traded to the Lakers for Anthony Davis 🗣️
(via @MikeACurtis2)pic.twitter.com/N8sSs4gCVX
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 3, 2025
Obviously, this trade greatly impacts the betting landscape. Here are some updated odds of interest:
Lakers Win Total:
Odds to Win Championship:
State to Win Championship:
Conclusively, this trade changes the league but the Boston Celtics still have the best odds to win the Championship at +235. The books still think Beantown is the team to beat. If the Lakers make another earth shattering move that may change. The Dallas Mavericks odds look like a long shot but then again so did this trade.
Full NBA Championship Odds
- Boston Celtics +235
- Oklahom City Thunder +240
- Cleveland Cavaliers +750
- Los Angeles Lakers +1100
- Denver Nuggets +1400
- New York Knicks +1400
- Milwaukee Bucks +2500
- Dallas Mavericks +2800
- Memphis Grizzlies +2800
- Los Angeles Clippers +3000
Thanks for reading!
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