Synopsis
On February 2, Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns shared a pointed message on social media towards Luka Doncic and the Mavericks following Doncic's trade to the Lakers. The deal, involving Anthony Davis, marks a significant shift in NBA dynamics.Key Takeaways
- Devin Booker addressed Luka Doncic after his trade.
- Doncic was exchanged for Anthony Davis and others.
- The Mavericks and Suns have a competitive history.
- This trade was unexpected for players like LeBron James.
- Future plans for Lakers post-LeBron are uncertain.
New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker took to social media to send a three-word message to his long-time court adversary Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks after the Slovenian sensation was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday (IST).
As reported by ESPN, the Mavericks consented to transfer Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, reserve guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick.
The Mavericks and Suns clashed fiercely in the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals, with the former winning in Game 7. On Friday, the Mavs’ social media account shared a photo of Booker and Doncic captioned ‘Ok last one we swear’ on X.
Upon hearing about Doncic being traded to the LA Lakers, Booker had the final chuckle, asserting that the Mavs 'kept their word' by trading away their generational talent.
Doncic, aged 25, was drafted by the Mavericks in 2018 and was rapidly emerging as one of the top players in the NBA. With his impact, the Mavs reached the 2022 Western Conference Finals and the 2024 NBA Finals, where they were defeated 1-4 by the Boston Celtics. He played in 422 games for the team, averaging 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.
Suns’ forward Kevin Durant described this trade as the ‘biggest trade’ he had ever witnessed.
The ESPN report also indicated that this trade developed discreetly, leaving even Lakers star LeBron James unaware of the upcoming change. Neither Davis nor Doncic were consulted during this decision.
Speculations arise as the Lakers ponder life beyond LeBron, who turned 40 in December, and whether a potential move for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is imminent.
