Fool's Gold

How big was the trade of Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers for Anthony Davis!? Well even Luka thought it was an April Fool's joke. The only problem was: the date was not April 1. In split seconds; maybe the biggest trade in NBA history had taken place; with the 2nd best player in the world Doncic being traded to the most famous franchise in the NBA for one of the best big men in the game Anthony Davis.

Not since Lew Alcindor's move from Milwaukee to Los Angeles; and maybe Charles Barkley's earth-shattering 1992 move from Philadelphia to Phoenix has there ever  been a move like that. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to suggest that there was something behind the scenes at Dallas. Yes they reached the Finals last season; but then why did Alex Ferguson sell Jaap Stam? Questions remain over Doncic's fitness; conditioning and culture; and that beer-snatching episode has taken renewed significance.

Granted; both teams have defo gotten better. The Lakers are now the favorites for the NBA title; with two of the greatest players the world has ever seen; and their storied luck has even seen them getting lanky big man Mark Williams; together with seasoned veterans Markieff Morris & Maxi Kleber; while not having to give up Austin Reaves. Even Bronny James might not be able to bring them down. For the Mavs; they have righted the chemistry so to speak; and in Davis; Kryie Irving and Klay Thompson; they are truly stacked and ready for their own tilt at the title.

Yes at 31 Davis is of course older than Doncic at 25; but Dallas is obviously going for a win-now approach and worrying about the future later. They have also upped their culture & defense in a player like Davis. For the Lakers; their 'perennial' luck seems to be serving them no end. For years & years they have benefited from seemingly diabolical trade decisions. After Kareem they managed to get Shaq & Kobe; then Pau Gasol out of nothing; let alone Karl Malone, Gary Payton & Steve Nash, In recent years; they managed to get D'Angelo Russell then Lonzo Ball; and of course LeBron James. Now another megastar has seemingly fallen into their lap. And this one could well prove the biggest gambit of them all.