The NBA world went nuts over the recent trade between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers. The trade sent superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for 10-time all-star Anthony Davis and reserve guard Max Christie along with a 2029 first round pick.
Doncic made his well anticipated debut with the Lakers on Feb. 10th in a game against the Utah Jazz, a team that has been struggling through the season. Although the game was on a Monday, it was nationally televised and had coverage from several networks. Doncic had come back from a calf injury and had been sidelined until Christmas Day.
Given this, Luka was placed under a minutes restriction and played 24 minutes when he usually averages around 35 minutes per game. He performed well as he had 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. He struggled from behind the arc going one for seven, but this is expected for his first game back. His most notable play was a three-quarter-court pass to his new teammate LeBron James for a layup. The Lakers won the game 132-113, extending their winning streak to six games, improving their record to 32-19, which placed them third in the Western Conference.
Lakers fan Noah Yilma said, “ It is great to see LeBron James play with a star like Luka, it makes the Lakers even more fun to watch.” With the new addition not only do you get to watch the greatest basketball player of all time, but one gets to see the guy deemed as the next “G.O.A.T”.
Laker fans are loving this trade; the rest of the NBA isn’t so much. Warriors fan Sophomore Kyle Manong, who’s team is also in the Western Conference, expressed his feelings on the trade: “I’m not a big fan of this trade because it strengthens an already tough contender for the Warriors,” said Manong.
James and Doncic are already one of the best duos, if not the best in the NBA. James is widely known as one of the smartest players in the league given his seniority in the NBA. Doncic shares a similar feel for the game, so when the two share the court it makes it hard for defenders to challenge that.
