Luka Doncic’s Trade to Lakers Still Dominates NBA Conversations

Even two weeks after the shocking trade, Luka Doncic’s move from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers remains one of the hottest topics in the NBA. The February 6 trade deadline saw several major moves, but none as seismic as this. The Mavericks sent their franchise superstar to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie, a move that left fans, analysts, and even players stunned.

Jalen Rose Criticizes the Mavericks’ Decision

Former NBA player Jalen Rose did not hold back in his criticism of the Mavericks. Speaking at TNT’s All-Star Game broadcast, Rose questioned the logic behind the trade and accused the organization of not wanting to pay Doncic.

“Is he in the greatest shape? No. Does he have some off-court things that he probably needs to improve as a 25-year-old? Absolutely… I love Anthony Davis, but he was the second-best player on a championship team,” Rose remarked.

Rose went further, suggesting that if the Mavericks were unwilling to commit financially to Luka Doncic, they should consider selling the team. “When Luka wins the championship… He’s gonna be the best player on a championship team. To me, it seems like they didn’t want to pay Luka. For me, if you don’t want to pay Luka, then just sell the team,” he added.

The Shockwaves Felt Across the League

Luka Doncic’s tenure with the Mavericks was nothing short of spectacular. In his five full seasons, he earned five All-Star selections and five NBA First Team honors. The Slovenian sensation played 422 regular-season games for Dallas, averaging 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.

His departure has led to strong reactions across the NBA, with superstars like Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards weighing in. Curry remarked, “Only a few can sleep with confidence,” while Edwards admitted, “I am scared” about what Doncic’s presence in Los Angeles could mean for the Western Conference.

Mavs CEO Rick Welts Addresses the Fallout

Rick Welts, who took over as CEO of the Mavericks in December 2024, acknowledged the overwhelming response to the trade. Speaking with the Dallas Morning News, Welts admitted that the organization may have underestimated the fans’ reaction.

“I thought I’d seen everything in my 47 years in the NBA, but clearly this was different,” he said.

Despite the backlash, Welts remains optimistic about the franchise’s future. “It’s incredibly emotional, an incredibly difficult time for so many people. But I still believe we’re going to come out on the other side, with a future that’s incredibly bright. That’s kind of my glass-half-full approach there,” he added.

While the dust is still settling, one thing is certain—this trade will be debated for years to come.