WHAT JUST HAPPENED? Doncic To Go To Lakers in Blockbuster Deal

The NBA Trade Deadline hasn’t had a ton of big news. That ends now. The Mavericks, who lost in the NBA Finals last season, just traded away their super-star player - Luka Doncic. This three team trade will redefine the entirety of the Western Conference. An amazing young talent came to the Lakers, but was the price worth it? The Lakers had to give up Olympic gold medalist and an all-defensive team member to finalize the trade. Anthony Davis, a potential Hall-of-Famer, was the selling point for the Dallas Mavericks. Doncic has missed approximately half of the season, staying sidelined for 22 games, while Davis has missed only 5. "I believe that defense wins championships," Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said when asked about the trade. Davis was elected for the all-defensive team last season, and is currently third in the league in blocks. Defensively, AD is a much better aspect than Doncic. However, Luka’s defense isn’t the only reason the Mavericks sent him away. Luka has seemed unappealed to follow the Mavericks’ suggested diet. Doncic put on 30 pounds this season, going from the 230’s to mid 260’s. However, pairing Luka next to Lebron James, who has done the best job keeping his body in shape by far, may start inspiring Luka to change his behavior, and if it doesn’t, Lebron will most likely start riding him. The question is, who won this trade? Lakers Trade Grade: A- The Lakers added a generational talent which will ensure greatness past Lebron’s retirement. Pairing one of the greatest modern small forwards in the world, with considerably the greatest basketball player to ever to breath air. The only problem is Luka doesn’t seem intent on getting in shape. Additionally, Luka is big, but mainly plays guard. The Lakers lost a ton of height/size in this deal. Also giving up Max Christie and a 2029 first round pick, the Lakers seem certain Doncic will cooperate. If Luka Doncic doesn’t get in shape, suddenly Los Angeles has a big problem that will nerf their team in its entirety. The Lakers also received Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. Mavericks Trade Grade: B- After making a move for Daniel Gafford (the Wizards ex-center) last season, and drafting Derrick Lively II, it was unnecessary to give away a top-three player in the league for Anthony Davis. Additionally, even though Davis will upgrade their defense, neither he or Max Christie will be able to fill the offensive void slowly manifesting itself with Doncic GONE. Also, adding a 2029 first round pick doesn’t help them in hopes of winning a title in the next three years, which they were on track to achieve with their franchise player in Luka. Also, with Kyrie not getting any younger, the teams may collapse from the inside out. Jazz Trade Grade: A Adding Jalen Hood-Schifino and second round picks for nearly nothing except some cash and needing to waive Mo Bamba sounds like a win in my books. The Jazz have crept their way into practically every trade this season, and their front office is practically counting picks like dollar bills at this point. While not gaining superb aspects, they don’t need to be. With a chance at a high pick in this year's draft, Utah may end up with Cooper Flagg, or Kasparas Jakucionis (Read about him in; What? My Name Is What? My Name Is What? A Top Ten Projected Pick on an Unranked Team; Who Is He?). Both of these presumed next generation talents would change the dynamic of their squad for a long time. Luka “Didn’t believe it.” “It was rough man, it was rough,” he said in an interview. “But you know, now I get to play for the best club in the world.” Anthony Davis had a similar reaction to his departure. After a Maverick’s shoot-around, Davis said to reporters, "I was shocked. I had no idea.” Then later, “But, I mean, now I'm kind of over it, and just kind of getting ready to play with Dallas." Who won this trade? We may not know for years.