
via Imago
Credit: IMAGN

via Imago
Credit: IMAGN
Five days before the world flipped, Anthony Davis opened up to ESPN’s Shams Charania. No fluff—just honesty. He expressed his true emotions about missing playing his natural position at the Lakers. The transition from a power forward to a center wasn’t particularly appealing to AD, but he was adjusting to the team’s needs. Meanwhile, Davis had two requests: add a five to the roster and let him play as the natural four.
But before anything could unfold, February 2 happened, and Davis found himself in Dallas in exchange for Luka Doncic. Jeanie Buss gave a nod of approval to Rob Pelinka. And the rest is history. Now, Buss has shared her thoughts on why they traded AD. The logic here is simple: He “complained” about his position and “wasn’t happy” at the Lakers. Here comes the pressing question: How convincing is the boss’ reasoning?
Stephen A. Smith who admires Jeanie Buss as “the matriarch of the NBA” and a leader of the Lakers franchise, doesn’t buy into her logic behind trading AD. “The bottom line is nobody’s buying that you didn’t trade Anthony Davis because he was complaining. You traded Anthony Davis because you got a call that you could have Luka Doncic—that’s why you traded him,” Smith bluntly opined. Buss’ close friend, SAS said that she wouldn’t have cared about Davis’ complaints if such an opportunity didn’t present itself.
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Feb 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers Jeanie Buss attends the game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Moreover, the shocking trade left AD stunned because he never saw it coming. Smith added: “The issue was he didn’t want to be at the five position, so he was hoping that they would get some additional help on the front line so he could play his natural four position—that was all. It’s not like he didn’t get along with LeBron James or his teammates.”
The ESPN veteran reiterated himself and said that nobody would be buying Jeanie Buss‘ reasoning for making the risky gamble. “There is one, and that one reason was there was a superstar—a global, iconic figure—that was averaging 28 a game in his career, one of the all-time great scorers, who became available to you and, oh by the way, happened to be six years younger. That was the reason why. Period.”
As the debate on whether Jeanie Buss is giving out true reasons behind the blockbuster trade is taking center stage, the Lakers executive made special announcements. Well, it’s safe to say her latest undertakings are doing wonders.
Jeanie Buss’ Netflix venture Running Point is getting a second season
Running Point just scored big—season 2 is officially happening! Netflix gave the green light barely a week after season 1 dropped. The Kate Hudson-led basketball comedy didn’t just win hearts—it claimed the third spot on Netflix’s top 10 English-language series. That’s a fast break no one saw coming.
What’s your perspective on:
Was trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic a smart move, or a gamble that could backfire?
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Meanwhile, co-creator Mindy Kaling couldn’t hide her excitement. “We’re beyond thrilled to bring another season to the fans,” she shared with Tudum. She thanked the viewers, Netflix, Warner Brothers, and the powerhouse duo—Jeanie Buss and Linda Rambis—who made it all possible. And, of course, a special shoutout to Kate Hudson, who brought the magic to life. Taking to her X handle, Buss reposted the announcement tweet with the caption: “Thank you @netflix”
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Thank you @netflix https://t.co/419g0kGo7u
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) March 6, 2025
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From blockbuster trades to Netflix hits, Jeanie Buss is keeping everyone on their toes. While the debate over her real reason for trading AD rages on, one thing’s clear—she’s not slowing down. With Running Point soaring to new heights, Buss is making bold moves both on and off the court. And love it or not, she’s playing to win.
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Was trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic a smart move, or a gamble that could backfire?