The NBA world was sent into a frenzy when news broke of a blockbuster trade involving two of the league’s biggest stars—Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis. The trade, which saw the Los Angeles Lakers acquire Doncic in exchange for Davis and additional assets, left fans, analysts, and players stunned. But perhaps no one was more shocked than ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.
On SportsCenter, Stephen A. Smith wasted no time expressing his disbelief over the deal. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing!” he exclaimed. “Luka Doncic, one of the best young talents we have ever seen, is now in LA?! And the Mavericks gave him up for Anthony Davis? This is insane!”
Smith broke down the trade, analyzing how it could impact both franchises. He acknowledged that while Davis remains one of the most dominant big men in the game, Doncic is a generational talent who can single-handedly transform a team’s offense. The move signals the Lakers’ commitment to the future, pairing Doncic with LeBron James—at least for the short term.
Meanwhile, Smith questioned the Mavericks’ decision to trade their franchise cornerstone. “Mark Cuban and the Mavericks better have a plan because giving up Luka Doncic is not something you just recover from,” he said. While Davis brings elite defense and championship experience, the move raises questions about Dallas’ long-term vision.
As reactions poured in from around the league, the debate over who won the trade raged on. One thing was clear—Stephen A. Smith and the rest of the basketball world will be watching closely to see how this unprecedented deal plays out.
