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Doncic to the Lakers—Is any NBA player truly untouchable in today's trade-happy league?

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The NBA world expressed their mass confusion and hysteria when they got to know that the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster deal for Anthony Davis. The move shook the league, leaving players and fans in disbelief. Among those reacting was Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, who had formed a strong bond with Davis during their time together on Team USA. His response to the trade highlighted not only his personal shock but also the deeper insecurities players feel about their place in the league.

The Doncic-Davis trade sent a concise message: no player in the NBA remains truly untouchable. Even a superstar like Doncic, widely regarded as the Mavericks’ franchise cornerstone, can move if the right deal arises. Reflecting on this reality, Booker said, “Luka being a guy that everybody’s claimed is untouchable and untradeable. You know, the NBA shows you again.”

Uncertainty constantly looms over players. Booker admitted, “It’s just, you can’t predict it. You know, it’s a business. They’re always having a conversation about you. So, you know, don’t think you’re safe at any point.”

His words reveal the tension that arises even among elite players after witnessing such deals. No contract or reputation fully protects them from the business side of the sport. For Booker, the trade also carried personal significance. He spoke highly of Davis, calling him “probably my favorite teammate to play with this summer in the Olympics.”

The bond they built over the summer made Davis’s departure even more shocking. Booker saw firsthand what the Lakers were losing in their defensive anchor. Beyond the emotional aspect, Booker also acknowledged the practical side of the trade. “I mean, you have to let it play out… They have to build chemistry on both sides. So, you know, I’m interested to see how it turns out. I’m sure the world is, too.” Despite his initial shock, he recognized that trades remain an unavoidable part of the game. Both teams now face an adjustment period. It was not just fans as players especially the Suns’ bench options also experienced a moment of confusion in regards to the trade.

Mass confusion erupts on the Suns bench

The trade shocked the entire league, but the Suns bench had to deal with an additional layer of doubt. News of Doncic’s departure spread quickly, but details remained unclear at first. This led to a hilarious misunderstanding, as Booker recalled, “Somebody told us on the bench. Said, Luka. I said, Luka Garza? Like, who got traded?”

via Reuters

The disbelief wasn’t just on Booker’s part. Many around the league struggled to process the fact that Doncic, one of the best players in the world, had been moved. Booker’s reaction showed how unexpected the deal felt, especially for players focused on their own games at the time. The Suns bench, like the rest of the NBA, needed a moment to take it all in.

His response also hinted at a broader theme. Players react to trades not just as professionals but also as fans of the game. Even within the NBA, moves like these feel surreal. They shake up team chemistry and force players to adjust quickly.

The Doncic-Davis trade didn’t just shift the balance of power in the NBA. It reminded everyone that anything can happen in this league. Devin Booker’s reaction captured the emotions many players feel: surprise, uncertainty, and vulnerability in an unpredictable business. His comments about Davis showed the personal side of these trades, while his confusion on the bench reflected how shocking the move felt for everyone involved. In a league where no one remains safe from trade talks, Booker’s words serve as a reminder of how fragile stability can be in the NBA.

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Doncic to the Lakers—Is any NBA player truly untouchable in today's trade-happy league?

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