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The Mavericks and Lakers dropped a Nuke on the NBA

The Lakers can't keep getting away with this.
By | 138 Comments | Feb 2, 2025

Dec 12, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

In case you’ve been sleeping under a rock, the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers made what might be the most shocking trade in NBA history last night.  Dallas traded Maxi Kleiber, Markieff Morris and LUKA DONCIC to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 1st round pick.  The Jazz were also involved for some reason to get some 2nds and Jalen Hood-Schifino.

Like most people who first saw the alert from Shams Charania, I assumed he had been hacked.  Then the confirmations started to roll in and it quickly became apparent that this was all too real.  The Dallas Mavericks had just traded their 25 year old generational franchise guy to the Lakers for an aging, oft-injured Anthony Davis and just one first round pick that likely won’t even be that good because the Lakers now have LUKA DONCIC.

When we passed on drafting Luka back in 2018 I was devastated, but prepared.  The Kings had basically let it be known in the days prior that they would be drafting Bagley to try to prepare the fanbase for the upcoming disappointment.  The Kings knew this was going to be an unpopular decision, and in the end, the fans were proven right as Luka became everything that everyone expected him to be while Marvin Bagley might be out of the league after his current contract expires.  But this disappointment pales in comparison to what Mavericks fans must be going through because they HAD Luka.  Luka was going to be the guy who got a statue next to Dirk and brought multiple championships to the city.  He showed up in the biggest moments, and carried their team to the NBA Finals just last season at the age of 25, still not in his prime.  And now he is a Laker.

Even just as a Kings fan, this sucks.  To see the Lakers get another generational player out of nowhere is awful.  I feel like Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad.  But the fact that the Lakers didn’t even have to give up the farm to get him is even worse.  Yes, Anthony Davis is a good player, probably a top-15 player in the entire NBA.  But Luka might have been 2nd or 3rd at worst.  Those players don’t get traded, especially when the main piece of the return is a player who is going to be 32 before the season is over and has a long injury history.

The spin from the Mavericks also hasn’t made much sense.  Mavericks GM Nico Harrison has stated he was worried about Luka being poached in free agency (which would have meant he would have left a supermax on the table, something that doesn’t seem likely), and that acquiring Davis improves Dallas’ defense.  There have been leaks about Luka’s conditioning and weight, but as Ryen Russillo put it, he could have been smoking cigarettes on the court and 29 other teams would have given him the Supermax still.  Most confusingly, Luka himself apparently didn’t know he was being shopped and did not demand a trade, one of the only ways trading him at all would have made sense.

The Mavericks also apparently didn’t talk to any other team but the Lakers.  I’ll admit I’m biased here, but there are 28 other teams I would have called before calling the Lakers.  Luka Doncic should have provided the biggest haul in NBA history.  Kevin Durant was traded for 6 picks/swaps, Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson and that was at the age of 34.  Luka Doncic is 25 years old, fresh off his best season and an NBA Finals appearance.  There might be 5 teams in the league who wouldn’t have traded their franchise centerpiece for him.  The Spurs, who seem likely to land De’Aaron Fox, probably would have offered every pick they had and whatever prospect outside of Wemby that the Mavericks wanted.  The Thunder might have been willing to include anyone not named Shai plus their treasure trove of picks.  Simply from an asset management point of view, this was malpractice.  The only way the Mavericks come out of this looking ok is if they somehow win the NBA Finals in the next few years.  Even if Luka Doncic absolutely flames out, it’s still bad because they could have gotten so much more.

The absolute hardest thing to find when building an NBA team is a superstar, a top 5 NBA player. The Mavericks had that on hand and willingly jettisoned him for a pittance.  It’s not just the most shocking NBA trade I’ve seen in my lifetime but maybe the most shocking trade I’ve seen in any sport ever.  Nothing else comes close that I can think of.  Rob Hessing said this is like being on the Richmond side of the Webber trade, but that’s only if the Wizards were contenders at the time with Webber as the centerpiece instead of the malcontent he was at the time.  This feels like one of those trades that if it occurred in your fantasy league, the commissioner would veto because of collusion.

The ramifications of this trade will be felt for years to come.  We’ll see how it impacts the upcoming NBA trade landscape, including the Kings talks with other teams regarding De’Aaron Fox.  But for now I’m still in shock.

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1951
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February 2, 2025 11:54 am

Oh look. Vlade tipped it out to the Lakers again.

Jack
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February 2, 2025 12:07 pm
Reply to  1951

OK. We can’t do much about this Lakers thing but there are rumors out there that the Nets want Fox and would give up Cam Johnson, Cam Thomas and Day Ron Sharpe for his services. Wouldn’t be bad but maybe that would worry enough for the Spurs to include Castle along with Collins and either Sochan or Champagnie and say 3 first round picks. The Nets would also give up 3 firsts. This might put the ball in the Spurs court.

Amonk81
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February 2, 2025 12:47 pm
Reply to  Jack

I wish the Kings would do a Nets deal like that. The owner seems to be delusional , believing the Kings are a tweak away from a title. He’s a moron

murraytant
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February 2, 2025 3:53 pm
Reply to  Jack

I would not do a SAS trade without Castle.
I would want Castle + a reversal of the pick swap + 2 other firsts including one next year (worst of SAS and Atl) and expiring deals. And I would make this a triple team deal with the Jazz- get Collins, give up Huerter and maybe Lyles
With the Nets- Johnson yes, why at is wrong with Cam Thomas that they want to trade him ? + 3 firsts including one next year.
Castle is more symmetrical – get a PG and one with size.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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Nostradumbass 14
February 2, 2025 4:09 pm
Reply to  murraytant

I need someone to explain to me why Castle is so revered? The guy has played a total of 45 games with subpar numbers. Sure, he may get ROY, but so did guys like Tyreke, Michael Carter Williams, and Malcom Brogdon. He hasn’t shown he can hit the side of a barn with his jump shot.

He was the 4th pick in what was considered a bad draft and all of a sudden he is a possible deal breaker for both the Spurs and the Kings? Is he supposed to be the next SGA or something? I don’t get it.

Hobby916
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February 2, 2025 4:15 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I think he is seen as a 6’6, 215 guard that plays above average defense, has good court vision, is super athletic, and has some potential to be a good scorer.

His shot leaves a lot to be desired, however. That’s hang up with him. Kings would have similar issues offensively by having a lead guard with poor shooting and spacing.

But I could see an Ellis, Castle, Keegan defense being one that teams would have issues with.

murraytant
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February 2, 2025 4:50 pm
Reply to  Hobby916

Castle has size and potential and plays defense. Is he as good as Fox, No. Will he surpass Fox- no.
But, if there is a trade with SA, what else do they have? Vassell? gets hurt too much and is inconsistent. Sochan- has no offense.
They have picks- but that’s a bet on the future. Castle is the future , yes but a more immediate future and one where the product is known.
The Nets option gives a better return- but none of those guys is ever going to be as good as Fox and none play PG.
PG is a critical piece of a high caliber team.
Fox has to be at least one of the top 10 PG’s- but can’t give that up for no replacement at that position.
The teams that want him want him because they have no PG so there is no symmetry at all in the trade and hoping for a PG is dumb. Castle at least plays the position, has done ok and can contribute.
I know some may say Monk can play PG- there is truth to that but having a 6/6 guard next to him covers his defensive shortcomings.

DC1102
February 2, 2025 5:14 pm
Reply to  murraytant

Vessel is curcial. Don’t trade unless we get at least Vessel (with Castle is icing on the cake). Sochan would be nice too.

DC1102
February 2, 2025 5:11 pm
Reply to  Jack

Vessel, Sochan, Keldon Johnson or Champagnie or no go! Vessel is the best piece righ not, so it’s ok to lose out on Castly. Take on Collins if they can take Heurter back

RobHessing
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February 2, 2025 12:09 pm
Reply to  1951

I need read no further. This thread is done. Brilliant.

UpgradedToQuestionable
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February 2, 2025 1:17 pm
Reply to  1951

comment image&ct=g
FTW!

Henry
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February 2, 2025 11:54 am

Completely shocked and baffled for all the same reasons. I saw a quick grade last night that gave them a C?? Lord, not only is this an F, but it’s cause for expulsion.

The only thing I read that offered some explanation that made sense is that Nico Harrison and AD are still really tight from his days handling Davis when he was at Nike. Not to say all the chatter about Luka’s conditioning, the super max, and other reasons aren’t true. But it might explain his singular fixation with AD.

Last edited 15 days ago by Henry
UpgradedToQuestionable
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February 2, 2025 1:41 pm
Reply to  Henry

AD is to Nico
As Buddy Hield was to Vivek?

The referee whining will be at all time high.

Presently, Lakers 8th in FT attempts, Dallas is 4th. I expect that to change.

As I mentioned in the previous thread-

This trade extends Lebron’s already amazingly long NBA career (barring severe injury) at least another 2 or 3 seasons.

Nurkic, Valanciunas, Mitchell Robinson, Time Lord, Ayton, Zach Collins, Walker Kessler – someone has to fill the middle other than Jaxson Hayes.

murraytant
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February 2, 2025 4:57 pm

LAL have no size. Now they have 2 guys who want the ball all the time and a guy- Reaves- who never saw a shot he did not like or take.
Their defense just went south.
Getting Luka is glitzy but I think the Mavs got the better end of this.
Luka listens to no one- not even LeBron- or maybe the guy staffing the desert tray.
In Dallas, AD plays the 4, Gafford in the middle, Irving takes over as primary ball handler and they improve.

rockbottom
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February 3, 2025 8:12 am
Reply to  murraytant

They made NBA Finals last season. I guess they will now win the NBA title !

SMF-PDXConnection
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February 2, 2025 11:58 am

The rumor/conspiracy mill is in full effect, ranging from the mundane and predictable (better league ratings) to the awful (Mavs know something really bad about Luka and are getting out from it) to the political (not going there).

At least this wiped away the bitter taste of last night’s loss! No one’s going to remember that.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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February 2, 2025 12:09 pm

I really think Dallas didn’t want to give Luka the supermax and a likely no-trade clause because they actually may know something. Luka has been playing professionally for over a decade so maybe that 5 year $345M contract extension scared the Mavs. I have no evidence to support this, but the Mavs know more about his motor and health then anyone else. It really seems like the only logical explanation.

All that being said, if AD can stay healthy, Dallas is going to make noise for the next year or two. The Mavs window is shorter but more open now. The Lakers currently have no depth and the LBJ/Doncic pairing is going to be an odd one. This move feels more long term for them once they likely ink Luka to a non-supermax extension.

RikSmits
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February 2, 2025 12:14 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Even if that is the case (and I have my doubts about the conditioning thing being such a big issue), why do you only negotiate with ONE team? Why?

Edit: Oops, this comment crossed with your reply to my other comment.

Last edited 15 days ago by RikSmits
Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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February 2, 2025 12:19 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

I don’t get that part either, unless it was Nico who really wanted AD above all else. Weird fixation, I guess. Hey, if Dallas ends up winning a title this way, his reputation as GM will go from villain to genius overnight. We shall see.

Henry
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February 2, 2025 12:24 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

From everything that’s being reported and his press conference, this is exactly it. The calculation doesn’t seem to have been “what’s the maximum haul we can get for Luka?” it was “we don’t want to pay Luka the supermax, so how can we use him to bring in AD”?

Last edited 15 days ago by Henry
oshima9
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February 2, 2025 3:47 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I think you have the answer. The Mavs wanted a defensive unicorn like Davis to pair with Irving. There are very few.

Hobby916
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February 2, 2025 3:51 pm
Reply to  oshima9

If we’re talking unicorns, let’s discuss Muggsy Bogues.

5’3, 136lbs. Played 889 games, averaging 28.6mpg. He wasn’t a star by any means, but how many dudes his size played that long in the league, and was a core rotation piece?

1951
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February 2, 2025 11:59 am

Mav’s new owners save money. Mav’s GM gives his buddy GM a massive favor. Lakers get a superstar without earning it.

NBA is the same as it ever was. lol

TheGrantNapear
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February 2, 2025 1:14 pm
Reply to  1951

The script never fails when it comes to the Lakers.

1951
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February 3, 2025 9:21 am
Reply to  1951
RikSmits
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February 2, 2025 12:01 pm

So there are fans protesting in Dallas…

If this would have happened at a Greek, Turkish or Spanish basketball club, the GM would have needed police protection. I mean, they obviously know a guy like Luka could go to the NBA but if Madrid would have traded him to Barcelona for pennies on the dollar things would get really grim.

SMF-PDXConnection
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February 2, 2025 12:02 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

It’s Texas, they should get protection.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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February 2, 2025 12:16 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

Nico is the same guy who leg Jalen Brunson go for nothing. You have to imagine there are quite a few enraged Dallas fans at the moment.

SMF-PDXConnection
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February 2, 2025 12:19 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

We’re going to see more protests about this trade than *anything else*, aren’t we?

Dallas fans want to get mad, get mad at Nico, but target the Adelson oligarchs driving the ship.

Amonk81
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February 2, 2025 12:32 pm

I wish Kings fans had the guts to protest Vivek as well. Maybe if things continue to go downhill.

macdoogs
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February 2, 2025 12:51 pm
Reply to  Amonk81

As an out of state fan, I wish I had the ability to attend home games just to start a sell the team chant

Henry
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February 2, 2025 12:21 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Is that Harrison’s fault though? I recall that being a 2nd rounder, what they could offer was less than he could command on the open market (or something like that). Though of course you could still argue he should have anticipated and created the space.

RikSmits
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February 2, 2025 12:03 pm

I wrote it elsewhere, but Luka will be out for revenge, get into incredible shape and probably vie for the DPOY crown next season just to show the Mavs…

Kingofkings2410
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February 2, 2025 12:04 pm

I really don’t believe it’s that much of a “fleece” as people think. Dallas must have the best vantage point of what Doncic will likely be in a hand full of years and how his game could very likely age terribly. They said it best “defense wins championships” and they have/had a very strong defense around him because he is an absolute liability on that end. They got gentlemen swept out the finals…the west is only going to get tougher. And he is not the 2nd or 3rd best in the league. Giannis, Wemby, Jokic, SGA for starters….I would muuuuch rather have Antman then him as well. Honestly, I was more concerned about Antman ending up in LA in 4yrs but now that seems unlikely thankfully. It’s almost a nothing-burger for me…AD was/is more of a threat with LA to win a chip than Fatboy

RikSmits
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February 2, 2025 12:07 pm

I really don’t understand that take.

I can only imagine what kind of a bidding frenzy would erupt if it was clear that Dallas was fielding offers for Luka. Just think about the draft capital OKC can – and most likely would – throw around.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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February 2, 2025 12:13 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

That is the baffling part. Even if Dallas didn’t want to keep Luka longterm, you could have had one of the best bidding wars for a star the league has ever seen.

The again, if it were known that Dallas was shopping Luka, folks would ask why…and then maybe we’d really know why the Mavs were shopping him.

Who the hell knows?

RikSmits
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February 2, 2025 12:16 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

So why wouldn’t the Lakers do such due dilligence?

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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February 2, 2025 12:20 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

My only thought is they have a very short window with LBJ and want to win another title before he retires so they just don’t care about any possible Luka issues, but the partnership is beyond questionable.

SMF-PDXConnection
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February 2, 2025 12:23 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I would argue that, barring other moves by the Lakers, they’ve gotten worse and punted this season in favor of the future.

Now if they manage to swing a trade for a center, maybe that changes.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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February 2, 2025 12:25 pm

I agree. They have no depth right now, just a bunch of middling wings. I imagine they can’t be done.

Amonk81
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February 2, 2025 12:27 pm

I don’t see it that way. Luca/LeBron pairing could be deadly. Hell, Kyrie and Luca went to the finals.

Luca respects and wants to play w LeBron. AD is always hurt. I just don’t see how this trade makes it
less likely the Lakers will be as good or better this year.

Henry
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February 2, 2025 12:31 pm
Reply to  Amonk81

The admiration goes both ways it seems. Reporting is that LeBron has always wanted to play with Luka. (I believe LeBron has drafted Luka a few times in the ASG).

Yeah I think they’re a decent big away from contending if Luka can get healthy.

Amonk81
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February 2, 2025 12:34 pm
Reply to  Henry

Agree. I just see this as nothing but the Lakers just picked up one of the best players in the game. It’s crazy.

From reading everything it seems like this has a lot to do with money? The Dallas owners, and not wanting to pay any?

Henry
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February 2, 2025 12:50 pm
Reply to  Amonk81

The calculation of not wanting to pay Luka the supermax is defensible. But not getting a massive draft pick haul for him, or at the very least another young-ish star to build around is what has everyone guessing.

Kingofkings2410
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February 2, 2025 12:33 pm

I agree, no center/shot blocker. AD got cooked by Jokic mostly but now without him, good luck. Hayes has no chance.
What Center could they realistically trade for and how much more would they give up. LA did not get better, they currently got worse

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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February 2, 2025 12:39 pm

I think they try and ship off some wings like Rui and/or Vanderbilt, and maybe even Knecht or Reeves, for someone like Valanciunas or Vucevic

SMF-PDXConnection
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February 2, 2025 1:01 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Imagine if they traded with Portland to get Ayton.

rockbottom
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February 2, 2025 3:39 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Capela, , Adams, Ayton are all possible as well . Fakers will be fine- sadly .

Otis
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February 2, 2025 12:44 pm

You make it sound like Luka is a net negative on the floor because of his defense. I don’t think you realize the gravitational pull he has when he’s playing.

The Lakers now have two of the best five players on their roster. AD is talented, but he’s ever had an impact on wins and losses like Doncic.

The only question here is availability.

This feels like contrarianism, or just an unhealthy personal dislike of Doncic.

Last edited 15 days ago by Otis
Kingofkings2410
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February 2, 2025 1:01 pm
Reply to  Otis

Not that I hate the guy or wish him ill-will. Let’s see how James and him do first before we crown them as clear winners of this trade is all I’m saying.
I honestly just don’t believe it’s such a forgone conclusion that just because LA makes a move, that any other team that does a deal with them is worst off for it. The media always makes it seem like LA can do no wrong. I mean, Westbrook and them were supposed to be in the finals every year when he arrived; and we’ve seen this before with Brooks, Durant and Beal who were supposed to be a finals guarantee; heck look at Brooklyn a few years ago. I just like to see the outcome before I believe it. Full disclosure, I had to look up that contrarianism word, I can see that in myself as that sometimes…not always though

Otis
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February 2, 2025 1:08 pm

Certainly, we should wait to make a final determination. But you made the statement that the Lakers “currently got worse”.

I’m pretty confident Dallas failed here regardless of the “truth” about who’s the better player/better fit – because they limited their own market.

murraytant
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February 2, 2025 5:04 pm

oh wait ! Mo Bomba just came open on the FA market. LAL will grab him as a center piece.

murraytant
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February 2, 2025 5:02 pm

what future though? a Luka led team is one that sits around and watches him.

Amonk81
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February 2, 2025 12:20 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Just seems like a case of GM ego. And I don’t see how anyone can think this isn’t a great deal for LA

Luca is one of the top 3-5 players in the game as is. He just went to a title game.

Dallas fucked up bad.

RikSmits
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February 2, 2025 12:44 pm
Reply to  Amonk81

Just curious, is there a specific reason why you keep writing Luka with a C instead of a K?

Jman1949
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February 2, 2025 1:20 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I wonder if JJ Redick was still a talking head, would he be calling this “a form of malpractice”?

Henry
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February 2, 2025 12:15 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

Yea this has nothing to do with Dallas’ perception of how Luka will age. It’s about what the rest of the NBA’s perception is and would have given up. The Durant deal should have been the starting point for any Luka trade. The only reason is wasn’t is because Harrisson had a singular fixation on bringing in AD and basically bet everything that the AD/Kyrie pairing (along with whomever else they can add) wins them a championship because anything less than that is a colossal failure.

Last edited 15 days ago by Henry
RikSmits
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February 2, 2025 12:18 pm
Reply to  Henry

Yeah, I can sort of see that. Still incredibly stupid and shortsighted, but it makes a modicum of sense.

murraytant
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February 2, 2025 5:01 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

OKC would not want Luka- not their type of guy.

Amonk81
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February 2, 2025 12:24 pm

Nope. Luca is a franchise player. They just went to the title game with him, and his bad D.

I do not get the Luca hate at all. 5 time all NBA. 5 time all star. Playoff winner. WCF and in championship game already.

Not sure what people are watching but this is flat out idiocy and maybe ego from
Dallas. Unless there’s something else really bad about Luca.

rockbottom
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February 2, 2025 3:33 pm

In 3 years when Doncic is the mega star of the league and Davis is washed please revisit . Keep in mind Luka had a bigger winning impact on Mavs in first 2 seasons than Wemby, Jokic or SGA.

Hobby916
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February 2, 2025 3:46 pm
Reply to  rockbottom

In defense of Wemby, the Spurs weren’t trying to win.

oshima9
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February 2, 2025 3:52 pm
Reply to  rockbottom

Dallas knows it will have to rebuild in 3 to 4 years. It is what happens between now and then with AD and Kyrie that matters. Criticize it all you want, but at least the Mavericks have a vision unlike the Kings, or maybe, a better vision.

Kingofkings2410
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February 2, 2025 12:05 pm

And1
LA has been ROOOLLIN lately, now not so much after their defense is gone

NextTimeGadget
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February 2, 2025 12:13 pm

The cynical side of me is starting the believe that if you aren’t LA, Boston, NY or Chicago it no longer makes financial sense from an ownership standpoint to acquire and retain talent to compete for a title. Hell, the Mavs GM sounded like a glorified MBA with his statement that they wanted to avoid any potential “issues” this summer in regards to Lukas contract. What issues? He’s a 25 year old generational talent who loves it in Dallas. The only issue was that you didn’t want to pay his supermax, and that’s sad.

1951
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February 2, 2025 12:57 pm
Reply to  NextTimeGadget

Yeah, the Supermax could end up having the opposite effect from its intent.

Rather than allowing smaller budget/market teams to retain their top end talent, it may be causing them to trade it away before the bill comes due.

(see also, De’Aaron Fox.)

Adamsite
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February 2, 2025 1:01 pm
Reply to  1951

I mentioned in the other thread that the supermax may be a new tough pill to swallow with the new apron rules. You need to be 100% committed to that player bringing in some hardware and not just pay them that because they are the biggest star you have.

oshima9
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February 2, 2025 3:55 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I think that the NBA looked at this as a marketing issue, smaller market teams need to retain their stars, hence the supermax, while dismissing the challenge of taking the risk of binding your team to a guy who could tank your franchise, or relegate it to mediocrity, not to mention what happens if he gets injured.

vestxpress
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February 2, 2025 4:14 pm
Reply to  1951

This is an added bonus to this trade. Luka loses roughly $117 million by missing out on the SuperMax. Anything that takes money out of the pocket of the overpaid prima donna’s is good in my book. Can’t wait for Fox to feel this same pain.

discocricket
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February 2, 2025 12:26 pm

Independent of the return, you have to hand it to Dallas for having the stones to make big bets. The successful Irving trade, letting Brunson go over a pittance, the deadline acquisitions last season (Gafford is crushing it right now), and now this wacky maneuver. It’s like the anti-Kings.

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February 2, 2025 12:37 pm
Reply to  discocricket

Yup. It would be nice if the Fucking Kings actually made moves. Instead Vivek sits on his hands and huge ego, believing he knows what’s best and not wanting to spend. Even tough he does because of all his mistakes.

RikSmits
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February 2, 2025 12:42 pm
Reply to  Amonk81

I heard that Monte means inactivity in Arabic.

Amonk81
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February 2, 2025 12:49 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

Ha. I do think the inactivity is mostly due to Vivekery. Not wanting to spend amd/or thinking he knows what’s best.

I mean-Brown nixed a couple trades.

It just doesn’t make sense to me that Monte would do nothing. Not without the involvement with that piece of shit owner.

discocricket
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February 2, 2025 1:11 pm
Reply to  Amonk81

I guess. As long as Monte keeps cashing his paychecks, he’s just as responsible as Vivek, at least until he gets fired. Although perhaps due to his passivity, he’s the perfect GM for Vivek?

murraytant
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February 2, 2025 5:09 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

I thought Monte means “s do nothing” in Arabic. but do nothing and inactivity are the same.

RikSmits
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February 2, 2025 12:41 pm
Reply to  discocricket

Well, they sure as hell got something handed to them…

oshima9
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February 2, 2025 3:56 pm
Reply to  discocricket

Commented above about this before I got to your comment. 100%

Want2win
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February 2, 2025 12:47 pm

I was under a rock and just found out… I flew from GA to Cali late Friday went straight to bed got up early to go ski in Rain and eat bad seafood buffet in Reno… so yup I’m a rock dweller to just see this!

Adamsite
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February 2, 2025 12:56 pm

Just wanted to add, Luka is missing out on $116M by now not being able to sign a supermax contract with Dallas. That’s a hell of a lot of money that is both saved by Dallas and lost by Luka.

TheGrantNapear
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February 2, 2025 1:17 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

That’s an insane amount of $. Although he’ll likely make a chunk of it back in endorsements being in LA.

UpgradedToQuestionable
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February 2, 2025 1:30 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

13% Cali state tax v. Texas no state tax as well

(13% of $345M is $44.85M)

Last edited 15 days ago by UpgradedToQuestionable
Hobby916
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February 2, 2025 1:54 pm

Plus CA has like a millionaires tax, right?

And that 13% tax is for games played in CA. So 41 home games plus the 6 against Clips, Warriors, Kings that are in the road. (I think I mathed right)

Adamsite
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February 2, 2025 2:02 pm
Reply to  Hobby916

I think you are right as to the 13% applies only to the games played in CA and there is the whole “jock tax” from other states. So I don’t think it’s 13% of the full salary. It’s all kind of muddled and I’m no tax expert.

Hobby916
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February 2, 2025 3:15 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

They pay taxes based on what state the game is played in.

Had a buddy in MLB and he had to have his accountant file so many state tax returns.

Adamsite
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February 2, 2025 3:35 pm
Reply to  Hobby916

Yup, same goes for musicians, artists, actors, etc. who perform around the country, or the world for that matter.

murraytant
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February 2, 2025 5:11 pm
Reply to  Hobby916

so sit out the home games in LA and play the road games?

TheGrantNapear
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February 2, 2025 3:22 pm

Ouch haha. Multi millionairre’s problems

SelecaoKOJ
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February 2, 2025 1:09 pm

The Lakers always find a way.
Even if LeBron stays. He could restructure his contact to open up more cap. He could even retire next year. LeBron could take a massive pay cut and stay 3 more years.

The Lakers will always find a way to circumvent the rules and common logic.

It’s unfortunate. But it’s reality. Much like the Dodgers now.

The Lakers will always appeal to free agents and most players.

murraytant
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February 2, 2025 5:12 pm
Reply to  SelecaoKOJ

there is a lot of choice property for sale get to build your own dream home too.

bignerd
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February 2, 2025 1:18 pm

This league is dirty.

I’m supposed to believe a competent organization like Dallas traded a top 3 NBA player, randomly and in secret, only called the Lakers, and took back an expensive, depreciating albatross in return? Not to mentioned this has re-occurred with the Lakers before.

Or this is desperate league, absolutely tanking in the ratings, pulled a lot strings, along with future promises to get one of their few marketable stars on their flagship, dormant big market franchise?

I ain’t even mad, just not guidable. NBA is kind of a sport and I’m not interested any more.

TheGrantNapear
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February 2, 2025 1:21 pm
Reply to  bignerd

With you 100 percent.
This seems like it was orechestrated by the powers that be to increase NBA interest/ratings via Lakers’ exceptionalism.

Henry
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February 2, 2025 1:43 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

The conventional explanation is far more plausible than this secret cabal nonsense.

bignerd
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February 2, 2025 1:55 pm
Reply to  Henry

Explain?

Fox has more trade value than Anthony Davis. Ain’t no one giving AD a max contract when his current deal is up.

Hobby916
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February 2, 2025 2:03 pm
Reply to  bignerd

Apparently not. Kings can’t even get a rookie for Fox.

Henry
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February 2, 2025 2:06 pm
Reply to  bignerd

1) Dallas decided that they weren’t going to pay Luka the super max this offseason due to stated concerns (condintioning, availality, etc). If they weren’t going to re-sign, they needed to trade him now, otherwise he walks for nothing this summer.

2) They decided for whatever reason (new owner?) not to do a full teardown and rebuild and instead still contend with the remaining core, which then precluded trading for a whole bunch of young players/picks which would be the normal course when trading a mega star like Luka.

3) Nico Harrisson is close with both Pelinka and Anthony Davis from his days at Nike, and (maybe? probably?) had a long-time fixation with bringing in AD. He had no interest in other players (see his press conference). This was his opportunity to finally do so, and his relationship with Pelinka made it easy. Cue stated basketball reasons (defense, bla bla).

Not justifying this or saying it’s the right move. I think it’s malpractice. But this is the conventional and likely explanation based on all the data we currently have available.

Last edited 15 days ago by Henry
Henry
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February 2, 2025 2:26 pm
Reply to  Henry

One more thing I’ll add — if the directive from the NBA Illuminati was simply “get Luka to the Lakers” Harrison could have easily swung for a trade along the lines of Reaves, Hachimura, Knecht, Vanderbilt, and all your picks, which would have brought in more aggregate value.

But that’s not what happened. So, the desire to immediately remain competitive with Kyrie and the fixation with AD must be a real thing.

Last edited 15 days ago by Henry
TheGrantNapear
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February 2, 2025 3:23 pm
Reply to  Henry

There is no conventional explanation, that’s the problem.

Henry
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February 2, 2025 5:59 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

See above

bignerd
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February 2, 2025 1:22 pm
Reply to  bignerd

**gullible**

got to wear that one

TheGrantNapear
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February 2, 2025 1:20 pm

This is the most inexplicable trade in NBA history.
As I said in the other thread. Either this was somehow forced upon Nico or the Mavs have medical info on Luka’s knees or health that made them want to take a deal asap. Nothing else makes sense. If you want to trade a top 3 player, you create a bidding war, simple as that.
This is BS, and a stain on the NBA. Hopefully ratings continue to decrease.

Carl
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February 2, 2025 4:40 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

Hanlon’s Razor may apply here.

BuiltToSpill
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February 2, 2025 8:56 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

This

JoeNoSay
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February 2, 2025 1:22 pm

I hope we’re not on the phone trying to get LeBron to the Kings. That would be the Kanzy-est thing

SMF-PDXConnection
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February 2, 2025 1:27 pm

I found myself wondering, Kyrie infamously doesn’t handle change or bad news well, is it possible he’ll react negatively to this? And if he does, might he try and force Dallas to trade him? And if they did, wouldn’t they try to get a point guard back?

And that’s how I ended up here.

Fox-Irving-Trade
Jman1949
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February 2, 2025 2:10 pm

Kyrie is “out” for today’s game with the Cavs (along with PJ and Gafford)! Mavs are trailing by 47 in the third qtr.

SMF-PDXConnection
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February 2, 2025 2:22 pm
Reply to  Jman1949

And here we thought the Kings’ heart was suffering from the DeAaron distraction!

Jman1949
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February 2, 2025 2:38 pm
Reply to  Jman1949

+1 Depending on how the Mavs intend to use AD, either Gafford or PJ becomes a bit redundant. So let’s expand your trade and send Fox, Huerter, and Lyles to Dallas for Kyrie and either Gafford or PJ.

Jack
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February 2, 2025 2:28 pm

Forget the Lakers and Mavericks. Here is what I would do. Fox, Huerter, Carter and Jones for Johnson, Collins, Castle and Champagnie plus 3 firsts. Money works.

Jack
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February 2, 2025 2:33 pm
Reply to  Jack

PS I would also trade Lyles a first(2028) and second for Jalen Smith. Now that should do it.

murraytant
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February 2, 2025 5:18 pm
Reply to  Jack

Jack you are still infatuated with Z Collins.
Michell. Bridges, Gobert all garnered tons of picks. Fox is worth at least that much.
Not a fan of Johnson or Collins- turn this into a wicked 3 way and get the other Collins from Utah.

Hobby916
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February 2, 2025 1:36 pm

Whatever. It doesn’t affect the Kings because the Kings aren’t even in the conversation for contending.

All I see are teams not wanting to pay the supermax because of the new CBA Apron rules. Outside of the type 3 or 4 markets, the supermax is dead.

Mfad69
February 2, 2025 1:41 pm

Vlade knew this will happened. thats why he drafted Bagley over Luka. Shout out to him

Henry
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February 2, 2025 2:19 pm
Reply to  Mfad69

If Vlade knew, then we should have AD right now! Haha

oshima9
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February 2, 2025 3:58 pm
Reply to  Mfad69

Post of the year to date

Amonk81
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February 2, 2025 5:25 pm
Reply to  Mfad69

Sarcasm? Otherwise, it’s a ridiculous take.

The kings really dodged a bullet and getting a five time all NBA player who’s been to the finals already.

Convoy
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February 2, 2025 2:28 pm

Something’s rotten in Denmark. I smell dirty Vegas mob money under the table.

CastlePeak
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February 2, 2025 2:48 pm

Both teams could have gotten a bigger and better haul on the open market. This was a deal where both sides look less to spare the expense of a massive s*** show for each team.

Amonk81
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February 2, 2025 5:24 pm
Reply to  CastlePeak

Ahhh-Lakers got Luca. They’re not gonna do better than that. The Lakers won this trade. It’s not even close.

oshima9
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February 2, 2025 2:52 pm

I think that the trade is a testament to how great defensive players are the most valued ones in the NBA. Players like Davis, Gobert and Green are in a world of their own. The Kings should take note when it comes to Keon Ellis. Of course, he’s not at their level as all-around players, but if he recovers his 3 point shot, he’s more valuable than his contract. Similar logic may also apply to Murray as well.

Others have already mentioned the new CBA restrictions that impact giving supermax contracts to players. Dallas decided that going for it now with Davis and Irving, and rebuilding afterwards is better than giving Luka a supermax. It is certainly arguable, but that appears to be the reasoning. Giving Fox a supermax would relegate the Kings to mediocrity for years.

GFunkClassic
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February 2, 2025 3:26 pm

It’s a shocking trade but I don’t think it helps the Lakers in the short term.

Amonk81
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February 2, 2025 5:23 pm
Reply to  GFunkClassic

I don’t get this take. You think they will somehow be worse? Swapping a top 3 player for AD. Who is always hurt?

I think it’s easily just as likely that the Lakers have a better chance at making a title run this year now.

GFunkClassic
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February 3, 2025 11:05 am
Reply to  Amonk81

Yeah I think they’re worse off. To start I don’t think Luka is top 3 and second Luka does the same things LeBron does while they lost out on the size of AD. In regards to availability if you were to look at this season as well as the previous two, you might be surprised to see that Luka has played 16 less games than AD.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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February 2, 2025 3:44 pm

This is wild. Not too many gaps without Hall of Fame superstars. I’d hate to compare that chart to a Sac Kings chart of Hall of Fame superstars.

Lakers Succession Graphich/t @tommybeernba.bsky.social for the original post with the years

Sravan (@sradjoker.cc) 2025-02-02T23:35:37.507Z

Klam
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February 2, 2025 3:50 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Man, it’s so unfair.

Adamsite
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February 2, 2025 4:04 pm
Reply to  Klam

It really is. Has any pro team in any pro sport had that kind of advantage for that many decades? Yankees, perhaps?

BuiltToSpill
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February 2, 2025 9:01 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

If Jordan Love turns out to be legit, the Packers. Big if, though

Hobby916
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February 2, 2025 4:06 pm

So the supermax was designed to help teams retain their stars, and incentivize players to stay with the team that drafted them (in large part, I believe). The new CBA rules are now inhibiting to a certain degree.

A possible solution:
Instead of the supermax being 35% of the cap, let the players supermax money but only have it count as 30% of the cap (like a normal max contract would).

It might help teams with building rosters, especially teams outside of the top 5 or so markets.

Adamsite
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February 2, 2025 4:21 pm
Reply to  Hobby916

SGA is up next for such an extension. I’m assuming OKC is going to pay it, but they are a small market team that looks like the favorite to come out of the West. I guess Dallas didn’t feel the same.

Trae Young will become eligible if he makes All-NBA this year. ANT will be the next such player to be eligible after next season. Hali could as well, if he makes another All-NBA team.

Hobby916
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February 2, 2025 4:23 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

OKC has done a good job of staggering their top talent and finding guys on smaller contracts that contribute.

Adamsite
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February 2, 2025 4:31 pm
Reply to  Hobby916

Yup, but at some point they are going to have to become sellers, especially with all those picks. They can’t afford to have guaranteed contracts around their nexts if they are going to max out guys like SGA, Williams, and Chet

In the meantime, they are tilte hunting.

I will say, contracts like Dort’s and Hartenstein will be gold for them. Folks did a double take at OKC giving Hartenstein $30M a year for this year and next, but I think it’s all part of Presti’s plan as place holding contracts. Those contracts potentially come off the books when it’s time to extend Chet and Williams…or they could totally pivot and make adjustments. I’m so jealous of their situation.

BuiltToSpill
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February 2, 2025 9:03 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

god, I hate to admit it, but same. And I absolutely hate that city for lucking into a deserving Seattle’s team.

Hobby916
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February 2, 2025 4:30 pm

Is there any new chatter about the Kings trade deadline?

murraytant
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