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Tag: Anthony Davis

  • Anthony Davis Calls Out Lakers’ Front Office Over Luka Dončić Trade Spin

    Anthony Davis Calls Out Lakers’ Front Office Over Luka Dončić Trade Spin

    Anthony Davis isn’t buying the Lakers’ explanation that “no one knew” about the trade that sent him to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Dončić. In a rare interview with The Los Angeles Times, Davis talks about the crazy couple of days surrounding the trade, his conversations with LeBron James and what’s next for his new team.

    The Trade That Shook the NBA

    The trade also involved the Utah Jazz and sent ripples throughout the league. The Mavericks got Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The Lakers got Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. The Jazz got Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

    For Davis, it was a shock. He found out about the trade via phone from Lakers VP Rob Pelinka after watching the Lakers beat the Knicks on February 1.

    Davis Doesn’t Buy the “Nobody Knew” Excuse

    When the trade was announced earlier this month, the news sent shockwaves through the league. Davis found out via a phone call from Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka after he watched the Lakers beat the Knicks on February 1. At the time, Davis was recovering from an abdominal strain at home in LA.

    “I found out right after I texted my teammates to congratulate them on the win,” Davis said. “Then Rob called me and everything changed.”

    The Lakers are saying everyone within the organization was blindsided by the trade, but Davis isn’t buying it. During his conversation with The Los Angeles Times, he admitted he texted LeBron James, his longest-tenured teammate in LA, for clarity.

    “The front office has to do what it has to do and obviously they’re going to do what’s best for the organization,” Davis said. “But I don’t know if I ever got the real about any of it. I don’t know what’s true or what’s not coming from upstairs.”

    Davis went to James—and not just as a teammate but as someone who has been through this before—to get some answers.

    “Everybody’s saying nobody knew and all this other nonsense. I just don’t believe it,” Davis said. “But hey man, I’m past that. I’m ready to move on with Dallas and try to get a championship with these guys.”

    The Emotional Rollercoaster

    For Davis, the initial reaction to the trade was shock, disbelief and frustration. He described the night he found out about the trade as emotional—but temporary.

    “All the emotions lasted that one night when it was just a shock,” Davis said. “After that I realized this is the business. My focus shifted to getting healthy, getting my family settled in Dallas and figuring out how we can win a championship.”

    Davis suffered an adductor strain in his Mavericks debut—a injury that has kept him out since February 8. Despite the injury he’s optimistic.

    “Obviously the bad injury, but in that time they saw me they realized how good we can be when we’re all healthy,” Davis said. “We’ll get back to that.”

    Dallas Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Davis

    During the Mavericks game at Crypto.com Arena on February 25, the Lakers put together a nice little video tribute for Davis. The video showed his time with the franchise, including the 2020 NBA championship he won with LeBron.

    “It meant a lot,” Davis said. “I gave everything I had to that organization and they gave me a ring. I’ll always treasure that.”

    But Davis was clear that his focus is now on Dallas. With the Mavericks he gets to build something.

    “They wanted who they wanted. They did what they had to do,” Davis said of the Lakers. “Now I have a wife and kids to worry about and I’m figuring out how I get them to Dallas and get them adjusted to that.”

  • The Trade™ Three Weeks Later: Dončić and Davis Redefine NBA Breakups

    The Trade™ Three Weeks Later: Dončić and Davis Redefine NBA Breakups

    When the NBA’s biggest trade in years sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, it was a seismic event for basketball fans—but a deeply personal one for the two superstars at the center of it. Three weeks later, Dončić was facing his old team for the first time, while Davis sat out with an injury. The emotions were high, the tension was thick and the wounds were still fresh.

    This Wasn’t Just a Game

    The Big Show

    Tuesday game was more than just another game between the Lakers and Mavericks. It was the first time Dončić played against the team he’s been with since entering the league in 2018. For Mavericks fans many of whom felt blindsided by the trade it was an opportunity to voice their frustration and they did so loudly. Chants of “Thank you, Nico!” rang through Crypto.com Arena a sarcastic nod to Mavericks GM Nico Harrison who has been getting killed for the trade.

    Meanwhile Davis got a heartfelt video tribute when he returned to LA with a standing ovation. While the crowd celebrated Davis’ Laker legacy the contrast between how the two players were treated showed just how messy this trade was.

    Awkward Moments Galore

    Kyrie Irving Dončić’s teammate and good friend described the encounter as “awkward as hell” and indeed there were plenty of uncomfortable moments throughout the night. From the chants at Harrison to the visible unease between former teammates pregame it was clear neither side has fully processed what happened.

    Dončić himself said after the game “It’s not ideal but I’m glad this game is over. It was a lot of emotions.”

    The Human Side of The Trade™

    Breakups Are Hard

    As everyone who’s gone through a breakup knows, even when it’s for the best, it’s painful. Add in the spin cycle of being traded overnight, moving to a new city and dealing with constant media attention and you start to understand why trades like this one leave emotional scars.

    “When you move on or they move on from you it’s very emotional, obviously and very draining,” LeBron James said of Dončić’s situation. “There’s probably a lot of stuff going on in his head that don’t even have to do with the game itself.”

    For Davis, it’s been similar. Reports say he was blindsided by the trade and thought he’d be the face of the Mavericks for years to come. But both players have handled it well. They acknowledge it’s tough and move on.

    Public Discourse and Leaks: Fanning the Flames

    Dallas’ Smear Campaign Against Dončić

    Now that the trade is done, the Mavs are getting roasted for trading away their young MVP candidate. In response, the front office has leaked information about Dončić’s work ethic, fitness level and lifestyle choices. Whether it’s true or not, it’s kept the drama alive in the public discourse and made it harder to move on.

    Davis is caught in the crossfire too. Despite being a top 10 player himself, much of the narrative around the trade has been about Dončić and not him. As JJ Redick said before the game, “He’s a great human being,” and that Davis’ departure left a void on and off the court.

    Silver Linings Amidst the Chaos

    While the wounds are still fresh, both Dončić and Davis seem to be making the most of their situations. For Dončić, being alongside LeBron James means he gets to compete for championships with one of the all time greats. For Davis, the chance to lead a revamped Mavericks roster is a new challenge—and perhaps redemption for those who questioned the trade.

    Redick, who has been traded himself, has some insight into the process. Talking about his own moves, he said “Adjusting to a new city isn’t easy—but sometimes it’s a blessing in disguise”. He added “I got to play with Luka for 2 and a half months and now I get to coach him. It was a blessing in disguise.”

  • Lakers Honor Anthony Davis in Emotional Tribute During His Return to Los Angeles

    Lakers Honor Anthony Davis in Emotional Tribute During His Return to Los Angeles

    The Los Angeles Lakers welcomed Anthony Davis back to Arena on Tuesday, honoring the former star in his first game in LA since the blockbuster trade that sent him to the Dallas Mavericks. While Davis didn’t play due to injury, the Lakers and their fans made sure his return was unforgettable, celebrating his contributions to the franchise with a heartfelt video tribute and a warm reception.

    A Warm Welcome Back to LA

    When Anthony Davis walked onto the court at Crypto.com Arena he got a standing ovation. The Lakers fans showed their appreciation for a player who had given them so much over the years. Davis smiled and waved to the fans who cheered him on through some of the most memorable moments in franchise history.

    Even Max Christie got a warm welcome when he was introduced. Max has done well in his new role with the Mavericks but the Lakers fans still remembered him.

    Davis’ Legacy with the Lakers

    Anthony Davis wasn’t just another Laker, he was the cornerstone. After requesting a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 to team up with LeBron James, Davis became one of the best players in the league. During his time in LA he:

    • 4 All Star appearances
    • 2 All NBA Team
    • 2 All Defensive Team

    Most importantly he led the Lakers to a championship in 2020. His defense and versatility made him one of the most feared players in the league and his leadership made the Lakers a top team during his time.

    Davis signed two max contracts with the Lakers, he was committed to the franchise. Even as LeBron’s career winds down the Lakers planned to build around Davis as the face of the franchise going forward. The trade for Dončić was a franchise changing move but it doesn’t erase the legacy Davis built in LA.

    Why the Trade Happened

    We traded Anthony Davis not because of his performance or loyalty – it was because we had to take a once in a lifetime opportunity. Luka Dončić at 25 is the future of the Lakers. A generational talent that can lead the franchise for the next 10 years, he was too good to pass up.

    But trading Davis wasn’t easy. He was our best player for half a decade and a beloved figure in the locker room and among the fans. The trade was necessary for the franchise’s long term success but it came at the cost of saying goodbye to one of the most impactful players in recent Lakers history.

    Davis’ Reaction to the Trade

    Despite the emotional nature of leaving the Lakers, Davis has embraced his new chapter in Dallas. In a recent interview he said he’s excited to bring life back to the city and this is a fresh start for him and he’s ready to make an impact.

    He’s showing the same drive and professionalism that made him a fan favorite in LA.

    FAQs About Anthony Davis’ Return to Los Angeles

    Why did the Lakers trade Anthony Davis?

    Lakers traded Anthony Davis to get Luka Dončić, a 25 year old superstar who can be the face of the franchise for the next 10 years. Davis was a big part of the team’s success but the opportunity to get Dončić was too good to pass up.

    What did Anthony Davis do with the Lakers?

    During his time with the Lakers, Davis won an NBA championship (2020), 4 All-Star appearances, 2 All-NBA and 2 All-Defensive team. He was the cornerstone of the franchise.

    How do Lakers fans feel about Davis’ return?

    Lakers fans welcomed Davis back with open arms, cheering loudly during introductions and applauding the video montage during the game. It was clear they love and respect him for what he did for the team.

    Will Anthony Davis’ jersey be retired by the Lakers?

    Not officially announced but with what he accomplished and his impact on the franchise, he’s a strong candidate to have his No. 3 jersey retired in the future.

    How’s Max Christie doing with the Mavericks?

    Max Christie is thriving with the Mavericks, getting praise for his development and contributions to the team. Lakers fans gave him a nice intro on Tuesday.