
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 12, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 12, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
UNBELIEVABLE! SHOCKING! JAW DROPPING! Well, Shams Charania seemed to have surely replaced Adrian Wojnarowski, as he dropped his version of the Woj bomb. Luka Doncic in Purple & Gold and Anthony Davis breaking up with LeBron James are two of the most unrealistic trades that can happen in the NBA world. But it did happen. We brought to you the ultimate evidence that confirmed the shocking trade.
As soon as Shams Charania dropped the ‘bomb’, the NBA Insider’s ESPN colleague, Pat McAfee immediately dialed him to get the confirmation through FaceTime. Like every one of us, McAfee wanted to know one thing, as he asked, “Is it real”. In response, Charania dropped the golden words, saying, “Yes.. it’s real.” Shook up with the update, McAfee took a screen grab to prove us all. Above all, he had a message to his colleague, saying, “HOLY SHIT SHAMS YOU JUST SHOOK THE SPORTS UNIVERSE.”
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HOLY SHIT @ShamsCharania
LEAGUE ALTERING MIDNIGHT TRADE https://t.co/slkZnWt6A0
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 2, 2025
Poll of the day
Poll 1 of 5
How do you feel about the shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers and Anthony Davis leaving LeBron James?
Excited for the new Lakers era
Devastated, it's a bad move
Curious to see how it plays out
Indifferent, trades happen
Should the Boston Celtics prioritize Jayson Tatum's health over his desire to play every game?
Yes, rest him for the playoffs
No, let him play if he wants
Balance both, but lean towards rest
It's up to Tatum

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Is Luka Doncic's conditioning the real reason behind the Lakers' recent struggles?
Yes, it's a major issue
No, it's overblown
It's part of the problem
LeBron's absence is the main issue
Do you think Kiyan Anthony was unfairly snubbed from the McDonald's All-American Games?
Yes, he deserved a spot
No, rules are rules
It's complicated
Not sure
Do you think Stephen A. Smith crossed the line by questioning LeBron James' role as a father?
Yes, it's too personal
No, it's fair criticism
It's part of his job
Not sure
Want to dive deeper?
Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.
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Not very long ago, Sham Charania engaged with Anthony Davis in a sit-down interview. It’s the same interview where the big man requested the Lakers to rope in a center, saying, “I feel like I’ve always been at my best when I’ve been a four and having a big out there.” Apparently, this was the reason behind the Lakers’ drastic move, as per NBA Insider Brett Siegel. While we thought Jimmy Butler and Pat Riley had the beef of the season, Davis ignited a rift with the Lakers’ management after the interview.
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The most ironic part about the interview was that AD opened up about his future with the Lakers. The superstar big man wanted to do what LeBron James did for the franchise. Unfortunately, he couldn’t even stay on the team before Bron’s retirement.
The Lakers Management stomps on Anthony Davis’ dream
“JJ has kind of come in and kind of did like… ‘I’m going to like, ‘Yes, I want to coach LeBron but… I came here to coach AD.’… ‘Okay AD, you’re the hub, you’re the focus of our offense.’,” said Anthony Davis, describing Coach JJ Redick’s promise, in the same interview. Moreover, AD further stated how he wanted to take over the Lakers’ leadership after Bron’s retirement and be a match-winner even when he had a poor shooting night.
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What’s your perspective on:
Luka Doncic in Lakers' colors—Is this the dawn of a new NBA dynasty?
Have an interesting take?
The confidence in Brow’s words says one thing. He trusted the team and believed that he would stay on the franchise for longer. Unfortunately, the Lakers proved that no player is bigger than the team. While I look at the situation that AD has been put through, a recent quote from De’Aaron Fox comes to mind.
Amid the rampant trade rumors, De’Aaron Fox said, “In this league, I expect the unexpected… I think crazier things have happened.” Well, this trade will ultimately be one of the craziest things that has ever happened in the league. Fox wasn’t wrong. Now, what do we look forward to? Who do you think won the trade? Let us know in the comments.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
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Debate
Luka Doncic in Lakers' colors—Is this the dawn of a new NBA dynasty?