If you thought the world would move on from the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade in 4 days, you’d be gravely mistaken. The trade sent shockwaves in the NBA community and people are still reeling from its effects. Everybody is coming up with their own theories, as to why it happened. But Carmelo Anthony has another perspective to offer.

“This is spicy. This is a spicy trade right here,” Anthony said, acknowledging the magnitude of the deal on 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony podcast.

Rudy Gay chimed in on how the league has always had these moments. “Had to be. Every like, I mean, now, you know what I mean? With everything? Like, people—that’s the thing. Stuff happens in the league, and then, you know what I’m saying?” he said, touching on how player movement has become a defining part of the game.

Anthony took it a step further, highlighting how much effort went into making these trades possible. “Yeah, we made it to business. Like, we like our crew that, you know, and all that, but there’s a period of time where we really had to fight in these meetings for these type of moments, right? But in that player empowerment.”

He acknowledged that past players had laid the groundwork for today’s era of Doncic’s trade. “The guys that was, you know, before us had to fight and fight and fight three and four collective bargaining agreements. Like, this is what’s been going on.”

With massive money being poured into the league, Anthony pointed out that player movement is now just part of the game. “So to get to a point where it’s player empowerment and player movement, that’s part of the game now because it’s so much money that’s been out there that’s being made. And so much money that’s being made. Yeah. And invested into the sport.”

But Kenny Smith of TNT believes there’s some foul play here. Smith wasn’t convinced the 5x All-Star trade was just about basketball. “How do you trade up from a first-team All-NBA player? You don’t,” he said, hinting at deeper issues. He compared it to Don Chaney’s fall from favor at Houston, suggesting Dallas saw something internally that wasn’t working despite Doncic’s talent.

Meanwhile Doncic is focused on basketball and getting back to a 100%.

Luka Doncic calls the Lakers the greatest club in the world

When Dallas pulled the trigger on trading Luka Doncic, they didn’t just move a superstar—they sent a message. GM Nico Harrison made it clear: “Defense wins championships.” Then, whispers started surfacing about Luka’s fitness and conditioning. A franchise player, gone overnight, without warning, without a say.

Luka finally broke his silence on Tuesday. The trade caught him completely off guard. “Everybody was surprised, so you can imagine how surprised I was,” he said. “I was almost asleep when I got a call. I had to check if it was April 1.” For a guy who spent his entire career in Dallas, it wasn’t just a trade—it was an upheaval. “It was home. It was really hard moments for me, especially the first day.”

But if the Mavs thought he’d fold, they miscalculated. “It’s a motive,” Luka admitted. “I know it’s not true. But it’s a motive.” Now, he’s locked in. “I get to play for the greatest club in the world. I’m excited for this new journey.” That’s exactly what the Lakers wanted to hear.

Luka’s under contract through 2026-27, but let’s be real—his future is in his hands. That player option means he could bounce after next season if things don’t click. For now, though, he’s embracing this fresh start. “I had amazing moments in Dallas… but I’m just excited to be here.”

The Luka Magic in Dallas is over. The Lakers are hoping it’s just beginning in Los Angeles.