When the big trade went down a month ago that sent Luka to the Lakers, the sports world was stunned. Normally I would mention something like that with emphasis on it being only the North American sports community that was left in awe, but I’m not so sure this time. It was reported that the Dallas Mavericks Instagram account had already lost over a million followers (and counting) just a few days after trading away Luka Doncic. I would be willing to bet that the majority of these accounts were Global fans who were interested in keeping tabs on one of their shining young Basketball players who is representing Europe and the rest of the world while playing in the U.S.

Now, if I was Nico Harrison, GM of the Mavs, that is the type of thing that would keep me up at night (whether the trade was forced on him from someone above in the organization or not). The only thing that was probably keeping him sane and keeping this trade from being downright atrocious was the short term hopes that it gave the Mavs. Luka was injured and out of shape at the time and his defense is terrible (we’re not here to sugar coat things). While Anthony Davis was set to bring his defensive player of the year status to an already twitchy and athletic Mavs team that featured Kyrie Irving who was firing on all cylinders. I was one of the people that actually thought the trade gave the Mavs a solid chance at returning to the NBA finals this year, barring any major injuries of course.

However, that has all gone down the toilet… and it didn’t take long. The Mavs are treading water at 32-30 (sitting at 10th in the west), but with news that Kyrie Irving has suffered a torn ACL and will be out for the season, along with A.D. who was already out for at least a couple of months – all sings point to Dallas missing the playoffs and squandering one of the few good years that A.D. still has in him.

While on the other side of things, the Lakers have won 6 in a row and have taken 2nd place in the West. Luka appears to be thinner and I would wager that Lebron and his lifestyle / work ethic is having some influence on that. I’m sure he has taken Luka completely under his wing in the bright new city of L.A. However, it may be the opposite on the court. JJ Redick (coach of the Lakers) told the press after a recent game that the team works best when Luka primarily has the ball and other guys, including Lebron, can work off of the ball. This is a feat that no one has ever accomplished (or even dared to try) when coaching or playing with Lebron, whether it would have worked or not. Kyrie had trouble with this and eventually wanted out of Cleveland and away from Lebron. D Wade made it work in Miami but it was Lebron’s team after about 2 games even though it was Wade’s city. This is not a knock on Lebron, he’s been the best for 20 years now, but I do think it’s good news for the Lakers moving forward if everyone in the building can admit that it is now going to be Luka’s floor to manage.

No matter what happens with the players and teams that were a part of this trade, I am one of the few people who appreciated it for what it was. Business. Regrettably, I am someone who has a really hard time feeling bad for sports superstars when they get traded. I just don’t think it matters and I don’t care if you have to move across the country when you have 100 million in your bank account. I refuse to feel bad. Moreover, I like the message that this sent to the players in the NBA. Luka is amazing, there is no doubt about that. But it had been two training camps in a row now that he had entered injured and out of shape. What kind of offseason is that, and what does it say about your dedication? Everyone knows the Mavs made this deal because they didn’t want to pay Luka the Super Max contract that he was entitled to if he stayed in Dallas. But would they have minded paying him if he was first in the building everyday and showed the promise and dedication of what they would like from the face of their franchise? In my opinion this trade was partially brought on by Luka himself and I think it sends a good message to the players that no one is truly safe in this business and day to day work ethic still matters.

Anyways, more NBA news to come including updates on the 76ers and Joel Embiid (who has sabotaged my fantasy basketball team once again…)

Cheers,

-E