By Cole Brumback
ROGERS – One of the most shocking moves in recent NBA history, Luka Doncic, the face of the Dallas Mavericks, was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal, which involved Anthony Davis going to Dallas, has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, including some at Haas Hall Academy Rogers.
HHA basketball player Tanner Rush was in complete disbelief when he first heard the news about the trade, which occurred February 1.
“I was shocked and couldn’t understand why the trade had taken place. At first, I even thought it was a joke,” he said.
Rush questioned if this move would actually benefit the Lakers.
“I don’t think the trade will make the Lakers any stronger. Yes, Luka is an offensive machine, but he and LeBron play the same spot, so they would be competing for the same role,” said Rush. “Further, to get Luka, they had to trade AD, who added solid defense to the Lakers, which Luka doesn’t.”
HHA Basketball Coach Dustin Ervin was also just as surprised as everyone else when he heard about the trade.
“I did not expect the Mavs to deal Luka. I could see the Lakers moving AD, but still, I would’ve thought the Mavs considered Luka untradeable,” said Ervin.
However, from a coaching standpoint, Ervin is unsure if the trade significantly benefits either team.
“They’re both in different positions,” said Ervin. “I wouldn’t say either got vastly better.”
Ervin also believes that tension behind the scenes may have played a huge role.
“Honestly, it seems like there might have been some bad blood between Luka and the Mavs’ front office,” said Ervin. “They’re leaking all this stuff about his weight and their frustration with him, hiding a wrist injury, and telling him to lose weight. I think they wanted to move him before it got worse.”
When asked who won the trade, Coach was clear by saying, “Lakers. Any team that gets Luka is winning the trade,” said Ervin. “I thought he would be untradeable, or if he was to be traded, the Mavs would have to get an absolute haul in return. The Mavs’ average age just went up, and their championship window got shorter. The Lakers just got a certified baller.”
