Forget the fans, the news of Luka Dončić being traded away for Anthony Davis and a first to the Los Angeles Lakers was unfathomable for those in the NBA as well. It left players in shock, leading to reactions pouring in from every corner of the league. It is nearly unfathomable to see a consensus top-five player in the league traded away at 25 years old before even entering their prime.
It left practically everyone speechless, and even the league’s top stars had to share their reactions with the world.
NBA World Has a Meltdown After Luka Dončić Trade
Immediately after the news broke, fans were convinced that the news was fake. This led Shams Charania of ESPN to send out another post specifically stating that the trade was indeed real. Initially, many believed that the move might have been a result of Dončić becoming disgruntled in Dallas.
It's 1000% real: pic.twitter.com/ncNjpN37gU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 2, 2025
However, that’s when the shockers started coming in. The deal was the brainchild of Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who claimed, “I believe that defense wins championships. I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”
“I believe that defense wins championships,” Mavs GM Nico Harrison told ESPN regarding his motivation to trade Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to… https://t.co/iPfQvA4str
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 2, 2025
However, the situation went from bad to worse as neither Dončić nor Davis knew about a potential incoming move. Even LeBron James, who every media pundit and fan swears dictates how the wind blows in Los Angeles, was in the dark about the move. But, Brian Windhorst claimed it was a dream-come-true scenario for the King.
“This deal materialized in the shadows … LeBron James had no idea this was coming. Anthony Davis had no idea this was coming. I’m told Luka Dončić is still stunned about this trade,” Charania confirmed.
But as the dust settled down, reactions from other players started pouring in. Perhaps the most outspoken and direct response came from Kevin Durant, who has never shied away from double standards in the league when it comes to players and management, a disparity that has garnered a lot of hate to come his way.
“Players are held to a different standard of loyalty and commitment to a program, but the organizations don’t get held to that same standard from the outside world, whether it’s from the media members or fans … we all should be held to that same standard. … Now, every other team might get the confidence to say ‘F*** it, I’ll trade a few of my top players if this isn’t working.’ … I’m still shocked.”
"Insane. It's crazy, crazy."
Kevin Durant on mega Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade.
"Players are held to a different standard of loyalty and commitment to a program but the organizations don't get held to that same standard from the outside."
On teams following suit before Feb.… pic.twitter.com/DekP4eRN6N
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 2, 2025
Years ago, when he first came into the league, Dončić claimed that James was something like an idol to him. To get the chance to now share locker rooms must have been a dream-come-true situation for him. However, the way events unfolded left a shocking taste in everyone’s mouth.
Dirk Nowitzki, who had been a mentor for Dončić in Dallas, just had a shocked emoji topost on X, while Giannis Antetokounmpo went with a cold world emoji. Even Joel Embiid had to join in, disbelievingly posting, “WOWWWWW No F Way”
One key rival of Dončić’s throughout his run, Devin Booker, too spoke about the situation. “It’s crazy man. I really don’t know what to say about it. Luka being a guy that everybody has claimed is untouchable and untradeable. The NBA shows you again.”
"It's crazy man. I really don't know what to say about it. Luka being a guy that everybody has claimed is untouchable and untradeable. The NBA shows you again."
Devin Booker on colossal Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade.
"It's a business. They're always having a conversation… pic.twitter.com/p2DdVR7u3N
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 2, 2025
“It’s a business. They’re always having a conversation about you. Don’t think that you’re safe.”
For many, like Alex Caruso and Tyrese Haliburton, the idea was shocking enough that, instead of believing the news, they wondered if Charania’s phone got hacked.
David Aldridge, who’s been among the longest-tenured and widely respected reporters in the NBA, had to let out his emotions. Calling it a true “holy s**t” moment in the league’s history, Alridge aired his thoughts out as well.
I've been covering the NBA for 37 years. Almost nothing that happens – deals, free agent signings, coach hirings/firings – rises to the level of, as the great Ben Bradlee used to call them, "Holy S–t" stories. You just get used to the unexpected.
This is a "Holy S–t" trade.— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) February 2, 2025
“I’ve been covering the NBA for 37 years. Almost nothing that happens – deals, free agent signings, coach hirings/firings – rises to the level of, as the great Ben Bradlee used to call them, “Holy S–t” stories. You just get used to the unexpected. This is a “Holy S–t” trade.”
With immediate reports suggesting that the Slovenian could return before the All-Star break, we’re going to get a look at the new rosters for the two squads pretty quickly. One of the most league-shattering news pieces in NBA history just unfolded.
The simple question now is: What’s next?
