“We’re gonna empower him as much as he wants to be empowered. I mean, if he wants to be first-team All-NBA and wants to be in the MVP conversation all year long, we’re gonna empower him to do that.” These were JJ Redick’s words, as he wanted to build an attack around Anthony Davis. But now, in the middle of the season, the Lakers coach will have to build again as the Doncic-AD trade has happened. But that doesn’t make the 31-year-old contribution any less, as a former Purple and Gold legend shares his thoughts.

A trade in the middle of the season was expected. But no one could expect two All-Stars that too of Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis caliber. Former players, current players, other coaches, and GM couldn’t believe it was real. The fan base from either team is still finding it difficult, as the Lakers dropped a farewell video for the 10x All-Star.

Pau Gasol shared the tweet, with the caption, “Congratulations on these fantastic 6 years, AD 🔝👏🏼.”

Because of the abdominal muscle strain, the former Lakers star exited his last-ever game just after 10 minutes. Not a way to go out, but after all, who was expecting it would be his last game? In his previous matchup, he dropped 42 points and 23 rebounds against the Hornets, clearly stating his abilities. It hurts irrespective of whether you are a Davis fan or not.

But there have been reports that Anthony Davis and his issues with the front office. In this state, he was vocal about team issues of the team not adding a Big, so AD could play at the 4 spot more often. So, how will his skill set benefit Mavs? We have Charles Barkley, who has high hopes.

Did the Lakers really win the trade or do the Mavs have a better chance of winning?

“OKC (is) my favorite to win this thing, but, man, the Dallas Mavericks, they might have just become the second-best team in the Western Conference.” Recently, Chuck had heavy praise for the team that recruited Anthony Davis. Currently, they are 9th with a 26-24 record as Luka Doncic was absent with calf strain since Christmas day.

“The Rockets are so young. I’m not going to take the Rockets beating the Mavs in a seven-game series. The Memphis Grizzlies, I like their team, but man, Dallas, this is going to be a very fun thing to watch. OKC, they’re my favorite to win this thing, but man, the Dallas Mavericks.” Even former majority owner, Mark Cuban, shared the same on his social media, which means even he believes in the Mavs.

The GM of Mavs was also high on the AD trade. “We think defense wins championships, and we’re bringing in one of the best two-way players in the league.” So the Lakers have received once-in-generation player Luka Doncic, but that doesn’t make Anthony Davis’ move to the Mavericks any less valuable. Besides everything, basketball is a team game and even the best of the best fail to fit at times. So who wins the trade? Let time decide.