The Lakers are currently fifth in the West with a 28-19 record. Despite their solid standing, reports suggest they’re eyeing a major trade to build for the future as LeBron James ages. Here is the biggest shock: The Lakers are considering trading Anthony Davis to acquire Luka Doncic from the Mavericks.
The idea of the Lakers without Davis seems unreal, and the rumors have sent social media into a frenzy. If this trade happens, Doncic could face a $116 million loss. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has weighed in on the situation.
The trade involving Luka Dončić hasn’t happened yet. However, Dončić was eligible for a five-year, $345 million supermax contract with the Dallas Mavericks, which is the richest in NBA history.
But if he gets traded to the Lakers, he can only get a five-year, $229 million contract. That’s a loss of $116 million. Dončić will also lose about $15 million in state taxes by moving from Texas, where there is no state income tax, to California, where taxes are high.
.@stephenasmith was SHOCKED by the Luka trade and believes there’s so much more to this move.
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 3, 2025
“It was a statement being made as far as I’m concerned not just by the Dallas Mavericks, but by the league. And I think the fallout is going to be dramatic to say the least.” pic.twitter.com/vYQGDQDZMS
Stephen A. Smith pointed out that this is a big statement from the Mavericks and the league. He tweeted, “It was a statement being made as far as I’m concerned not just by the Dallas Mavericks, but by the league. And I think the fallout is going to be dramatic to say the least.”
Smith believes Luka Doncic will replace LeBron James as NBA’s face
After the big trade that sent Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith made a big statement. He said Luka Dončić will soon become the face of the NBA, taking over from LeBron James.
Smith pointed out that this trade changes things in the NBA. “This is no longer your franchise, this is Luka Dončić’s franchise now,” Smith said on ESPN’s First Take. He also mentioned that no one has ever said this about LeBron James’ teams in his 22 years in the NBA.
This trade is still being talked about, but if it really happens, it will definitely break the internet because of how much impact Anthony Davis has had on the team this season.