[Franky Family]

Absolute shocker

 

[Hinedorf]

I was at a weird wrestling/cocaine party when I saw a text saying "you see the lakers trade" the way I reacted people wondered if I won the lottery....... holy shit man..........

Have to ask....could Luka have a serious injury? Like the one quote added how much must the Mavs hate him?!

 

[Bullet Club]

He's supposed to be back from a calf injury soon. That's why I thought he must have been back and playing again.

He might have had a falling out with Mark Cuban or something like that.

 

[Stopped_Cold_29]

I swear it's the league pulling strings to keep a superstar in a Lakers jersey. There is absolutely no rational explanation for Dallas to trade Luka at all. Especially for such a small return. Completely absurd.

I think the league is desperate for viewers and they couldn't allow the Lakers to slip into irrelevancy when Lebron retires, potentially after this season.

 

[Neil Young]

Rigged ass league. No different than WWE. Actually, WWE may be more legit.

 

[Franky Family]

Unless Luka Doncic once told somebody that he doesn't believe in working hard in the weight room or something, then I have no clue why Dallas would let this guy go for somebody like AD... They failed to put winning championship pieces around him every year

Unless the Mavs have faith in AD and PJ Washington to wreak havoc this postseason, idk why they would make this trade?

 

[Franky Family]

I swear it's the league pulling strings to keep a superstar in a Lakers jersey. There is absolutely no rational explanation for Dallas to trade Luka at all. Especially for such a small return. Completely absurd.

I think the league is desperate for viewers and they couldn't allow the Lakers to slip into irrelevancy when Lebron retires, potentially after this season.

They must have seen something in Max Christie. He is great for a rookie. Last time this happened, we got Pau Gasol and traded away his Lil bro Marc, who became the face of the franchise and one of their best defensive players in Grizzlies franchise history. It has to be because of Max Christie's potential (maybe)? Only time will tell, somebody quote me in about four to five years if Max Christie develops into an All Star

 

[Stopped_Cold_29]

Rigged ass league. No different than WWE. Actually, WWE may be more legit.

Sure seems like it to me. This makes no sense whatsoever. Apparently Doncic was shocked? The only way I thought this could possibly make sense is if Luka demanded it and would only resign if he went to LA. If that's not the case, there is no defense for this. None.

This team made the finals LAST YEAR. It would be like if after Boston lost in 2022 they traded Tatum the next season. It's even more stupid than that. It's literally the stupidest trade ever. There is no explanation. They could've gotten like six first round picks plus an All Star. Instead that got a fragile, aging big man with an injury history. The reeks of league manipulation to get a big name in LA to replace Lebron.

 

[synchronicity]

I swear it's the league pulling strings to keep a superstar in a Lakers jersey. There is absolutely no rational explanation for Dallas to trade Luka at all. Especially for such a small return. Completely absurd.

I think the league is desperate for viewers and they couldn't allow the Lakers to slip into irrelevancy when Lebron retires, potentially after this season.

What are you talking about? Kareem, Magic, Shaq, Kobe, Lebron, Luka. Seems completely normal for one team who just *happens* to be in one of the most (arguably THE most) important market(s) to have a string of such players. They just basketball better than everyone else. Nothing to see here.

Spoiler

NBA : PLEASE KEEP WATCHING!

 

[Neil Young]

When I saw the trade this morning, I thought it was one of those "trade machine, what if" type of things. I don't know how anyone can look at this as a legit league or sport after this.

We want to be entertained so we'll overlook all the bullshit but holy cow man, do they HAVE to be so obvious? Like said above, Kareem, Wilt, Shaq, Pau, LeBron, AD, now Luka? Jeeesus.

I started watching the NBA with a raised eyebrow after Donaghy. "Oh, he was a lone wolf.". Uh huh. Now, especially after this shit, and the KC Chiefs garbage.....I'm full on WWE level. I still enjoy watching sports like I sometimes watch wrestling. I believe the athletes try but that there are pullies and levers behind the scenes that try to dictate the outcome. Are you not entertained?!!!!

 

[synchronicity]

When I saw the trade this morning, I thought it was one of those "trade machine, what if" type of things. I don't know how anyone can look at this as a legit league or sport after this.

We want to be entertained so we'll overlook all the bullshit but holy cow man, do they HAVE to be so obvious? Like said above, Kareem, Wilt, Shaq, Pau, LeBron, AD, now Luka? Jeeesus.

I started watching the NBA with a raised eyebrow after Donaghy. "Oh, he was a lone wolf.". Uh huh. Now, especially after this shit, and the KC Chiefs garbage.....I'm full on WWE level. I still enjoy watching sports like I sometimes watch wrestling. I believe the athletes try but that there are pullies and levers behind the scenes that try to dictate the outcome. Are you not entertained?!!!!

The athletes don't even need to be in on it, although I'm sure they (some at least) could be well aware. Officiating and, as we're discussing, trade shenanigans can tilt the balance in any direction a league wants. And it doesn't have to be blatantly obvious to the average viewer. A couple cheap (but subjective, of course, you could make the case, lol) foul calls on a star in a game, and suddenly everything is different, for example.

Obviously there are many skilled athletes across the sporting landscape, and it's fun to watch such talents. But when things are corrupt and the "competition" is manufactured, it surely doesn't get my interest. But these are businesses first and foremost, and businesses, for better or worse (I'd argue worse), generally ONLY care about the bottom line. "Fuck integrity and the true spirit of competition, our pockets are BURSTING!"

 

[Franky Family]

Sure seems like it to me. This makes no sense whatsoever. Apparently Doncic was shocked? The only way I thought this could possibly make sense is if Luka demanded it and would only resign if he went to LA. If that's not the case, there is no defense for this. None.

This team made the finals LAST YEAR. It would be like if after Boston lost in 2022 they traded Tatum the next season. It's even more stupid than that. It's literally the stupidest trade ever. There is no explanation. They could've gotten like six first round picks plus an All Star. Instead that got a fragile, aging big man with an injury history. The reeks of league manipulation to get a big name in LA to replace Lebron.

I disagree. It makes little sense to us but with AD the Mavs have firepower and a far greater defensive team now. Plus he'll hold teammates accountable on defense further increasing their ability to go further in the playoffs. The thing that does not make sense, is how high the risk is. They CAN potentially win this year now, IF AD is healthy. But this is the biggest risk I have ever seen. Davis is thirty one years old and has a history of injuries. Plenty that are and were tricky injuries to get healthy from. He was playing with injuries all this season but pushing past them. Now he has to sit for a while because it all caught up to him

Dallas made it to the Finals last year but they were part of a Gentleman's sweep. They weren't competitive. But still, this trade is a huge L for them in my opinion. I'm not going to say it's rigged because I have seen the Lakers under Jim Buss' management throw money at players who weren't even good enough to stay in the league after they got paid what All Stars normally would. My favorite team's front office literally paid a man who did not even play for us (Luol Deng) for over half a decade. He was getting paid for six years around 80 million despite being imo not even being a D-League worthy player. Biggest robbery there ever was, and Jim Buss thought he was worth it... Jim buss did the same for Timofey Mozgov too smh, completely overpaid that NBA player as well

My point is that as hard as it is to believe, there are GMs and owners and those in front offices out there that should be nowhere near this business. And even the best of the best make monumental mistakes. Pelinka literally let go of the Lakers' defensive core, the two best defensive players next to AD after the Lakers won the championship in 2020. Lost Dwight Howard and the White Mamba in one summer. No other way to put it except to say that Pelinka fucked up. He literally deconstructed the team because probably felt that the team needed more offensive firepower or something and they cut it too close some games because our defensive players were not great offensive players most games. Complete flop compared to the great work he had done prior to that and of course, now as we all can see

 

[Stopped_Cold_29]

I disagree. It makes little sense to us but with AD the Mavs have firepower and a far greater defensive team now. Plus he'll hold teammates accountable on defense further increasing their ability to go further in the playoffs. The thing that does not make sense, is how high the risk is. They CAN potentially win this year now, IF AD is healthy. But this is the biggest risk I have ever seen. Davis is thirty one years old and has a history of injuries. Plenty that are and were tricky injuries to get healthy from. He was playing with injuries all this season but pushing past them. Now he has to sit for a while because it all caught up to him

Dallas made it to the Finals last year but they were part of a Gentleman's sweep. They weren't competitive. But still, this trade is a huge L for them in my opinion. I'm not going to say it's rigged because I have seen the Lakers under Jim Buss' management throw money at players who weren't even good enough to stay in the league after they got paid what All Stars normally would. My favorite team's front office literally paid a man who did not even play for us (Luol Deng) for over half a decade. He was getting paid for six years around 80 million despite being imo not even being a D-League worthy player. Biggest robbery there ever was, and Jim Buss thought he was worth it... Jim buss did the same for Timofey Mozgov too smh, completely overpaid that NBA player as well

My point is that as hard as it is to believe, there are GMs and owners and those in front offices out there that should be nowhere near this business. And even the best of the best make monumental mistakes. Pelinka literally let go of the Lakers' defensive core, the two best defensive players next to AD after the Lakers won the championship in 2020. Lost Dwight Howard and the White Mamba in one summer. No other way to put it except to say that Pelinka fucked up. He literally deconstructed the team because probably felt that the team needed more offensive firepower or something and they cut it too close some games because our defensive players were not great offensive players most games. Complete flop compared to the great work he had done prior to that and of course, now as we all can see

You can make all the basketball arguments you want. There is no way… NO WAY, that this deal was the best the Mavs could get. None. They didn't even test the market. They offered Luka for AD without talking to any other teams. Had they tested the waters, they could've at least forced LA to sweeten the deal with some pick swaps or something.

As it stands they traded a 25 year old top 5 player in the league and generational player who just lead his team to the finals last year for a 31 year old, fragile, currently injured great player whose best seasons are almost certainly behind him, and one pick 4 years from now. That is insane. And not seeing what else was out there is totally indefensible.

Regardless of what anyone thinks of AD as a player or the fit, there is no way the circumstances of this trade pass the smell test. This is league manipulation to keep a superstar in a Lakers jersey going forward.

 

[Neil Young]

These guys are baffled. Ryan had a great line when the excuse of Lukas bad health could be a reason for the trade. "I don't care if he was smoking a cigarette while bringing the ball up the court.".

 

[synchronicity]

You can make all the basketball arguments you want. There is no way… NO WAY, that this deal was the best the Mavs could get. None. They didn't even test the market. They offered Luka for AD without talking to any other teams. Had they tested the waters, they could've at least forced LA to sweeten the deal with some pick swaps or something.

As it stands they traded a 25 year old top 5 player in the league and generational player who just lead his team to the finals last year for a 31 year old, fragile, currently injured great player whose best seasons are almost certainly behind him, and one pick 4 years from now. That is insane. And not seeing what else was out there is totally indefensible.

Regardless of what anyone thinks of AD as a player or the fit, there is no way the circumstances of this trade pass the smell test. This is league manipulation to keep a superstar in a Lakers jersey going forward.

AbsoLUTEly! They could have gotten a king's ransom for Luka, but they were like, "Nah, we'll take this old guy instead." (AD is a great player to be fair, but in NO WAY an apples to apples when considering age and overall impact, especially going forward.) The whole thing stinks so bad that there is no reasonable take to support anything other than manipulation. If you think this is on the up and up, I'd suggest you investigate your ass because you'll probably find your head in there.

 

[Franky Family]

You can make all the basketball arguments you want. There is no way… NO WAY, that this deal was the best the Mavs could get. None. They didn't even test the market. They offered Luka for AD without talking to any other teams. Had they tested the waters, they could've at least forced LA to sweeten the deal with some pick swaps or something.

As it stands they traded a 25 year old top 5 player in the league and generational player who just lead his team to the finals last year for a 31 year old, fragile, currently injured great player whose best seasons are almost certainly behind him, and one pick 4 years from now. That is insane. And not seeing what else was out there is totally indefensible.

Regardless of what anyone thinks of AD as a player or the fit, there is no way the circumstances of this trade pass the smell test. This is league manipulation to keep a superstar in a Lakers jersey going forward.

This was obviously a very poor trade but in some ways, in a WIN NOW situation, it makes more sense than sticking with Doncic. I do not feel that Doncic is dominant enough to win with that roster he was working with. He lacks the defensive capability to will and unify a team behind him. With AD, the Mavericks have a serious threat on offense and a very serious defensive anchor who will not mess around, but will lead and get it done. IF he is healthy, that is. AD is a very strong leader. He offers defense Luka can only dream of being capable of, even if he spent half his superstar salary each year on a platoon of defensive minded coaches to help him improve. Luka is never going to be anywhere near AD defensively

I see what you're saying and that the Mavs took an almost asinine risk here, but there is still a chance that they made the right decision. It is very slim, the chance that they gambled effectively here, but I can see what they're after. It just doesn't make much sense because realistically, AD has like two more seasons before his body collapses on him. I'd argue that this season could be his last chance to win another ring, but I am not sure how motivated he will be after this trade

The league also denied the CP3 trade in 2011. Kobe was about to play with a miniature version of himself and sharpen iron with iron for the foreseeable future and possibly win his sixth ring. Stern stiff armed the trade and said fuck off. So don't tell me that the Lakers gets this kind of treatment when we had a legitimate trade about to go through and the NBA literally said take your ass back to the drawing board. If the Mavs didn't move now, they would be in a desperate situation next season when the clock ticks against them as Doncic moves closer towards being able to walk away freely himself in summer of 2026. Teams would take advantage of that. You aren't considering the circumstances of their need for urgency. And another thing, you are greatly underestimating the Mavs' ability to win. I have done that in the past and have criticized them for their approach and their treatment of Dirk and not getting him enough help. But the Mavs do have a track record of being very competitive and doing better than most of the rest of the league

I'm not calling rigged. If it is, we'll hear it from Cuban this year or the next guaranteed. He would not keep quiet over a blatant swindling. Fans underestimate the Mavs, this might be what they need. I personally do not see it working out for them, however

 

[Hinedorf]

I swear it's the league pulling strings to keep a superstar in a Lakers jersey. There is absolutely no rational explanation for Dallas to trade Luka at all. Especially for such a small return. Completely absurd.

I think the league is desperate for viewers and they couldn't allow the Lakers to slip into irrelevancy when Lebron retires, potentially after this season.

I'm a die hard Lakers fan......I heard conspiracy theories about Luka become a Laker 3+ years ago but when it comes to the Lakers theses rumors/theories are rampant...... this reminds me A LOT of the CP3 trade which the NBA ultimately stopped from happening.

The only reason why this isn't being stopped is because it was fully orchestrated quietly by Dallas. Something seriously happened between the Mav's organization and Luka for this level of separation and the NBA to allow it.

Best way I tried to explain it to somebody else.....Lakers went from having Batman and Robin to having Batman and Batman. Upgrade in every way assuming Lebron can reshape his game to fit around Luka (of course he can)

 

[Stopped_Cold_29]

This was obviously a very poor trade but in some ways, in a WIN NOW situation, it makes more sense than sticking with Doncic. I do not feel that Doncic is dominant enough to win with that roster he was working with. He lacks the defensive capability to will and unify a team behind him. With AD, the Mavericks have a serious threat on offense and a very serious defensive anchor who will not mess around, but will lead and get it done. IF he is healthy, that is. AD is a very strong leader. He offers defense Luka can only dream of being capable of, even if he spent half his superstar salary each year on a platoon of defensive minded coaches to help him improve. Luka is never going to be anywhere near AD defensively

I see what you're saying and that the Mavs took an almost asinine risk here, but there is still a chance that they made the right decision. It is very slim, the chance that they gambled effectively here, but I can see what they're after. It just doesn't make much sense because realistically, AD has like two more seasons before his body collapses on him. I'd argue that this season could be his last chance to win another ring, but I am not sure how motivated he will be after this trade

The league also denied the CP3 trade in 2011. Kobe was about to play with a miniature version of himself and sharpen iron with iron for the foreseeable future and possibly win his sixth ring. Stern stiff armed the trade and said fuck off. So don't tell me that the Lakers gets this kind of treatment when we had a legitimate trade about to go through and the NBA literally said take your ass back to the drawing board. If the Mavs didn't move now, they would be in a desperate situation next season when the clock ticks against them as Doncic moves closer towards being able to walk away freely himself in summer of 2026. Teams would take advantage of that. You aren't considering the circumstances of their need for urgency. And another thing, you are greatly underestimating the Mavs' ability to win. I have done that in the past and have criticized them for their approach and their treatment of Dirk and not getting him enough help. But the Mavs do have a track record of being very competitive and doing better than most of the rest of the league

I'm not calling rigged. If it is, we'll hear it from Cuban this year or the next guaranteed. He would not keep quiet over a blatant swindling. Fans underestimate the Mavs, this might be what they need. I personally do not see it working out for them, however

But why were the Mavs in a "win now" situation? They certainly are now. They have to win this year, basically. Maybe next year. And while that is possible, Luka just made the fucking finals. And he could potentially lead them there multiple times over the next decade. Instead they're going to roll the dice on 1.5 seasons with Streetclothes and Kyrie.

They aren't even the favorites in their own conference after this trade. You don't give up a generational player just starting his prime. Period. Not unless it somehow makes you the prohibitive favorite for a title. This doesn't do that.

And again, if for some reason you feel like you need to trade a generational player entering his prime, you at least generate as much interest as possible. You don't back channel a secret deal without testing the market.

If you're selling the Mona Lisa, do you secretly negotiate with one guy or hold an auction to try and get the best deal available and drive up value? There is no rational explanation for doing this deal this way. It's not like the Lakers are not taking this deal 3 days from now. There is no excuse not to see what else is available. And by all reports, Dallas didn't do that. That is totally inexplicable.

 

[Neil Young]

This was obviously a very poor trade but in some ways, in a WIN NOW situation, it makes more sense than sticking with Doncic. I do not feel that Doncic is dominant enough to win with that roster he was working with. He lacks the defensive capability to will and unify a team behind him. With AD, the Mavericks have a serious threat on offense and a very serious defensive anchor who will not mess around, but will lead and get it done. IF he is healthy, that is. AD is a very strong leader. He offers defense Luka can only dream of being capable of, even if he spent half his superstar salary each year on a platoon of defensive minded coaches to help him improve. Luka is never going to be anywhere near AD defensively

I see what you're saying and that the Mavs took an almost asinine risk here, but there is still a chance that they made the right decision. It is very slim, the chance that they gambled effectively here, but I can see what they're after. It just doesn't make much sense because realistically, AD has like two more seasons before his body collapses on him. I'd argue that this season could be his last chance to win another ring, but I am not sure how motivated he will be after this trade

The league also denied the CP3 trade in 2011. Kobe was about to play with a miniature version of himself and sharpen iron with iron for the foreseeable future and possibly win his sixth ring. Stern stiff armed the trade and said fuck off. So don't tell me that the Lakers gets this kind of treatment when we had a legitimate trade about to go through and the NBA literally said take your ass back to the drawing board. If the Mavs didn't move now, they would be in a desperate situation next season when the clock ticks against them as Doncic moves closer towards being able to walk away freely himself in summer of 2026. Teams would take advantage of that. You aren't considering the circumstances of their need for urgency. And another thing, you are greatly underestimating the Mavs' ability to win. I have done that in the past and have criticized them for their approach and their treatment of Dirk and not getting him enough help. But the Mavs do have a track record of being very competitive and doing better than most of the rest of the league

I'm not calling rigged. If it is, we'll hear it from Cuban this year or the next guaranteed. He would not keep quiet over a blatant swindling. Fans underestimate the Mavs, this might be what they need. I personally do not see it working out for them, however

It's cool that someone that works in the Mavs front office posts on D Pad.

There is zero upside for the Mavericks. They could have shopped Luka if he was unhappy and let teams compete. But no, the league is fucking rigged and the Lakers miraculously land a player in his prime for 20 cents on the dollar. Pure doo doo.

Just think, if the spurs came to the Mavs and said "How about Wemby and some assets for Luka?". Normal people people would STILL need to think about it and then turn it down. The Lakers? Here's AD and uhhhh a pick in 2095. Perfect, we agree to the trade!!! This trade is SO bad it ruined the integrity of the entire league. They have to pray the Laker homers and NBA shills do their job for them.

 

[DESTROYA]

As a Celtics fan Im also baffled by this trade , it was clear Luka was the main reason the Mavs made it to the finals last year even though they got destroyed in 5 games but the trade is so lopsided it makes zero sense ……..also fuck the Lakers …lmao

 

[Stopped_Cold_29]

As a Celtics fan Im also baffled by this trade , it was clear Luka was the main reason the Mavs made it to the finals last year even though they got destroyed in 5 games but the trade is so lopsided it makes zero sense ……..also fuck the Lakers …lmao

How would you have felt as a Celtics fan, if after losing the 2022 finals, Boston had traded Tatum for Kevin Durant? Durant has always been one of my favorite players. But that trade would be so retarded, no one would defend it. This is at least as stupid as that hypothetical.

 

[Neil Young]

How would you have felt as a Celtics fan, if after losing the 2022 finals, Boston had traded Tatum for Kevin Durant? Durant has always been one of my favorite players. But that trade would be so retarded, no one would defend it. This is at least as stupid as that hypothetical.

As a Celtics fan myself, I would be pretty fucking pissed and probably stop watching their games. It happened with the Red Sox and Mookie Betts. When they traded Betts for shit, I stopped watching the Red Sox. He was one of my favorite players to come through the organization and they let him go for nothing. I was done with them. But.....the Dodgers keep getting great players as well. I'm sure it's on the up and up though right?

 

[Stopped_Cold_29]

As a Celtics fan myself, I would be pretty fucking pissed and probably stop watching their games. It happened with the Red Sox and Mookie Betts. When they traded Betts for shit, I stopped watching the Red Sox. He was one of my favorite players to come through the organization and they let him go for nothing. I was done with them. But.....the Dodgers keep getting great players as well. I'm sure it's on the up and up though right?

How the hell can the Red Sox of all teams not afford to pay top dollar?

 

[Hinedorf]

As a Celtics fan Im also baffled by this trade , it was clear Luka was the main reason the Mavs made it to the finals last year even though they got destroyed in 5 games but the trade is so lopsided it makes zero sense ……..also fuck the Lakers …lmao

Let's be real.....even with this trade the end result would likely be a 4-1 win if it were Celtics Lakers in the Finals today. The only team that can legit stop the Celtics are themselves or the Nuggets when healthy.

Beantown doesn't have a lot to bitch about right now. Except for the fact your best player is a soft ass pussy who wishes he was a Laker. Fuck you Celtics

 

[Stopped_Cold_29]

Let's be real.....even with this trade the end result would likely be a 4-1 win if it were Celtics Lakers in the Finals today. The only team that can legit stop the Celtics are themselves or the Nuggets when healthy.

Beantown doesn't have a lot to bitch about right now. Except for the fact your best player is a soft ass pussy who wishes he was a Laker. Fuck you Celtics

This trade isn't about the present. It's about yet another superstar miraculously landing in LA for no discernible reason. Everyone sees what this is. How many times does the same thing have to happen where some team strangely fucks themselves for the Lakers benefit before we all just admit the league is a sham?

 

[Big_Gainer]

Rigged ass league. Lakies get bailed 3 or 4 consecutive times with trades that help them. This league will perish. Commissioner wants 10 min quarters. No accountability on refs. Clear favoritism towards big market teams.

 

[Hinedorf]

This trade isn't about the present. It's about yet another superstar miraculously landing in LA for no discernible reason. Everyone sees what this is. How many times does the same thing have to happen where some team strangely fucks themselves for the Lakers benefit before we all just admit the league is a sham?

Let's assume you're right. Explain why New York has been a complete fucking dumpster fire FOREVER. Also.....there were many down years for the Lakers in which the Clippers were still dogshit. There's more than one team in LA and the Lakers are the ONLY viable winner.

The NBA was NEVER BIGGER when Chicago was the most popular team.....NBA doesn't care about Chicago and New York????

If it's about the money I don't think it'd just be about making the Lakers stacked. I'm a diehard....I watch the OKC's, I watch the Milwake's......casual fans don't. Casual fans will watch the Knicks and Bulls.....so where's their stacked rosters?

It aint just about the Lakers

 

[Stopped_Cold_29]

Let's assume you're right. Explain why New York has been a complete fucking dumpster fire FOREVER. Also.....there were many down years for the Lakers in which the Clippers were still dogshit. There's more than one team in LA and the Lakers are the ONLY viable winner.

The NBA was NEVER BIGGER when Chicago was the most popular team.....NBA doesn't care about Chicago and New York????

If it's about the money I don't think it'd just be about making the Lakers stacked. I'm a diehard....I watch the OKC's, I watch the Milwake's......casual fans don't. Casual fans will watch the Knicks and Bulls.....so where's their stacked rosters?

It aint just about the Lakers

I wondered that. But the Lakers are the marquee franchise of the NBA. The Knicks really aren't popular outside of New York. And nobody every really liked the Bulls outside Chicago. They loved Jordan. The minute he retired, everyone abandoned the Bulls.

But the Lakers are the most internationally recognized team in the NBA. They sell tickets and merchandise and push TV deals. They are the Yankees of the NBA. The NBA is struggling right now. Viewership is way, way down. Almost catastrophically low. They cannot afford the Lakers being irrelevant in the next season when Lebron hangs it up. The Lakers drive a ton of viewership, not just in LA but overseas.

It's just too many times teams have gift wrapped stars to LA for pennies on the dollar. This is just the most blatant and inexplicable example of all time. I've still had no one here or anywhere else explain why Dallas would do this trade in this manner, seeking no competitive offers from anyone else before taking this deal.

 

[Hinedorf]

I wondered that. But the Lakers are the marquee franchise of the NBA. The Knicks really aren't popular outside of New York. And nobody every really liked the Bulls outside Chicago. They loved Jordan. The minute he retired, everyone abandoned the Bulls.

But the Lakers are the most internationally recognized team in the NBA. They sell tickets and merchandise and push TV deals. They are the Yankees of the NBA. The NBA is struggling right now. Viewership is way, way down. Almost catastrophically low. They cannot afford the Lakers being irrelevant in the next season when Lebron hangs it up. The Lakers drive a ton of viewership, not just in LA but overseas.

It's just too many times teams have gift wrapped stars to LA for pennies on the dollar. This is just the most blatant and inexplicable example of all time. I've still had no one here or anywhere else explain why Dallas would do this trade in this manner, seeking no competitive offers from anyone else before taking this deal.

On that we totally agree....there's zero sense for this move to be made by the Mav's it's bad fucking business to say the least.

I'm just speculating because something is going to come out about Luka......the folks who became majority owners of the Mavs from Cuban are Casino folks.......could Luka potentially be doing some shady shit they need to distance themselves from? Some known undisclosed injury that puts a major shelf life on Luka?

Something had to have happened to make this move happen either major inside drama with team or some type of NBA conspiracy forcing the move. There's no logical reason to make this trade unless there's something crooked/radioactive behind it

 

[Franky Family]

It's cool that someone that works in the Mavs front office posts on D Pad.

There is zero upside for the Mavericks. They could have shopped Luka if he was unhappy and let teams compete. But no, the league is fucking rigged and the Lakers miraculously land a player in his prime for 20 cents on the dollar. Pure doo doo.

Just think, if the spurs came to the Mavs and said "How about Wemby and some assets for Luka?". Normal people people would STILL need to think about it and then turn it down. The Lakers? Here's AD and uhhhh a pick in 2095. Perfect, we agree to the trade!!! This trade is SO bad it ruined the integrity of the entire league. They have to pray the Laker homers and NBA shills do their job for them.

Re-read my post, there is upside for the Mavs. Do you understand what wins championships? Something Luka cannot provide...

You don't know the situation with Mavs and Luka Doncic, but one thing is clear, they didn't see him winning a championship for them. Maybe the Lakers wont win anything either. After all, Luka is a sorry defensive player. And he's also as injury prone as AD, smaller, less length, weaker. He's older and his tank is only 25% full if you ask me, but AD is a force and he was the main reason we won the championship in 2020. To discredit AD and say this trade is completely one sided is laughable. Lakers win it easily in the long term, but who will be laughing if the Mavericks make it to the NBA Finals again? Like I said, what they did is a high-risk gamble but it might pay off for them if they're lucky

 

[Franky Family]

And just to be clear, I think Adam Silver is a garbage commissioner. He has no control over his players and the league has been an embarrassment and a clown show half the time for over a decade

 

[Neil Young]

Let's assume you're right. Explain why New York has been a complete fucking dumpster fire FOREVER. Also.....there were many down years for the Lakers in which the Clippers were still dogshit. There's more than one team in LA and the Lakers are the ONLY viable winner.

The NBA was NEVER BIGGER when Chicago was the most popular team.....NBA doesn't care about Chicago and New York????

If it's about the money I don't think it'd just be about making the Lakers stacked. I'm a diehard....I watch the OKC's, I watch the Milwake's......casual fans don't. Casual fans will watch the Knicks and Bulls.....so where's their stacked rosters?

It aint just about the Lakers

When it comes to New York, it wasn't for a lack of trying. The Frozen Envelope possibly gave them Patrick Ewing. The league had MJ in the league at the time and that was all they needed.

What sucks is the NBA fans are going to blow this off like "AD is a world class player.". "Luka wanted out.". "Luka has health issues that we may not know about.". Shit, I already saw an interview with Chuck where he was saying those things....and my favorite so far "I think the Lakers made a good trade that made themselves better.". You think so Chuck?

 

[Neil Young]

Re-read my post, there is upside for the Mavs. Do you understand what wins championships? Something Luka cannot provide...

You don't know the situation with Mavs and Luka Doncic, but one thing is clear, they didn't see him winning a championship for them. Maybe the Lakers wont win anything either. After all, Luka is a sorry defensive player. And he's also as injury prone as AD, smaller, less length, weaker. He's older and his tank is only 25% full if you ask me, but AD is a force and he was the main reason we won the championship in 2020. To discredit AD and say this trade is completely one sided is laughable. Lakers win it easily in the long term, but who will be laughing if the Mavericks make it to the NBA Finals again? Like I said, what they did is a high-risk gamble but it might pay off for them if they're lucky

I DID read your post, that's why I said you were a Mavs employee because you saw that it could be beneficial to them.

Getting AD is fine. Getting AD for Luka is fucking bonkers...... ESPECIALLY without shopping him and seeing what crazy shit other teams might have given up.

 

[Stopped_Cold_29]

Re-read my post, there is upside for the Mavs. Do you understand what wins championships? Something Luka cannot provide...

You don't know the situation with Mavs and Luka Doncic, but one thing is clear, they didn't see him winning a championship for them. Maybe the Lakers wont win anything either. After all, Luka is a sorry defensive player. And he's also as injury prone as AD, smaller, less length, weaker. He's older and his tank is only 25% full if you ask me, but AD is a force and he was the main reason we won the championship in 2020. To discredit AD and say this trade is completely one sided is laughable. Lakers win it easily in the long term, but who will be laughing if the Mavericks make it to the NBA Finals again? Like I said, what they did is a high-risk gamble but it might pay off for them if they're lucky

The Mavs aren't getting to the finals with this team. There is a way better chance Kyrie or AD gets hurt than this teams beats Denver or OKC. When is the last time a team added a centerpiece player mid season and came together to win a title? Kyrie is old. AD is at best at the very end of his prime.

Plus they've got serious work to do. They're a game and a half up on Golden State for the 10 seed. If AD or Kyrie misses any significant time, they could easily fall out of the playoffs.

There is no world in which you gamble away the next decade of contending for this lineup. None. And like I said, the manner in which this was all done is totally inexplicable and absurd. Nobody can defend it so they don't even try. The best you can say is they blew up a team that just went to the finals, and was set up for success for the next decade, for a team that could potentially get to the finals this year or next before falling off a cliff.

 

[Franky Family]

I DID read your post, that's why I said you were a Mavs employee because you saw that it could be beneficial to them.

Getting AD is fine. Getting AD for Luka is fucking bonkers...... ESPECIALLY without shopping him and seeing what crazy shit other teams might have given up.

I haven't been paying attention to the headlines, how do fans know that the Mavs haven't been reaching out and testing the market? It could be that as early as last season the Mavs knew what they had to do. They got to the Finals and all, but the Western Conference grew monstrous overnight. In the span of one season, several teams in the West have grown immensely in what they can do on the floor. Dallas is not beating OKC. Dallas is not beating Houston easily. Nuggets are better because Porter Jr. is stronger and more dominant now, more skilled, and Murray and Jokic are better too. Grizzlies may be pretenders or they may not be, but their depth is nuts when they're healthy. Lakers can be very dangerous in a series, kind of a wild card team at this point. My entire point is, if Luka does not insist on being a better defensive player and by that I mean a MUCH better defensive player then the writing was probably on the wall for upper management to see, and they felt they had to move on from him

AD for Luka is pretty up there in terms of a lopsided trade. But I'm sure the Mavs players themselves are glad to have a stronger defender to work alongside with. Like I said, the Mavs are not built to fuck with this year's Western Conference. They're middle of the pack at best with Luka. With AD they might have a chance to get by and win something depending on what PJ, Klay, and Kyrie can do. Naji Marshall is also very good

 

[DESTROYA]

How would you have felt as a Celtics fan, if after losing the 2022 finals, Boston had traded Tatum for Kevin Durant? Durant has always been one of my favorite players. But that trade would be so retarded, no one would defend it. This is at least as stupid as that hypothetical.

Same as this trade which I find really lopsided

 

[Franky Family]

The Mavs aren't getting to the finals with this team. There is a way better chance Kyrie or AD gets hurt than this teams beats Denver or OKC. When is the last time a team added a centerpiece player mid season and came together to win a title? Kyrie is old. AD is at best at the very end of his prime.

Plus they've got serious work to do. They're a game and a half up on Golden State for the 10 seed. If AD or Kyrie misses any significant time, they could easily fall out of the playoffs.

There is no world in which you gamble away the next decade of contending for this lineup. None. And like I said, the manner in which this was all done is totally inexplicable and absurd. Nobody can defend it so they don't even try. The best you can say is they blew up a team that just went to the finals, and was set up for success for the next decade, for a team that could potentially get to the finals this year or next before falling off a cliff.

This is an all or nothing league for the serious contenders. I respect the Mavs. And I don't see it like you do, because I know what the Mavs have done in the past to win. This trade sacrifices their future star but for them to make this trade they must have known for a fact that their chances were not good with Luka going forward. There is an argument for this trade, and the argument rests on what AD can do. AD impacts the floor in more ways than Luka, because LUKA CANNOT PLAY DEFENSE. He never will most likely. Just look at him bro. He's flabby as fuck. He can be doing a much better job of fine tuning his body for the season ahead and being a better competitor, but he's had almost the same exact body fat and amount of lean muscle mass since he came into the league. It's not easy to win games in this league and nothing is guaranteed. As long as they hover within the 10th seed or above it there is a chance to move forward. Take it game by game

Another trade might even be lined up for them is my thinking. Mavs might have a player in mind to pair with AD and the others that they'll pursue now

 

[DESTROYA]

How the hell can the Red Sox of all teams not afford to pay top dollar?

John Henry is a cheap ass moron

 

[Stopped_Cold_29]

I haven't been paying attention to the headlines, how do fans know that the Mavs haven't been reaching out and testing the market? It could be that as early as last season the Mavs knew what they had to do. They got to the Finals and all, but the Western Conference grew monstrous overnight. In the span of one season, several teams in the West have grown immensely in what they can do on the floor. Dallas is not beating OKC. Dallas is not beating Houston easily. Nuggets are better because Porter Jr. is stronger and more dominant now, more skilled, and Murray and Jokic are better too. Grizzlies may be pretenders or they may not be, but their depth is nuts when they're healthy. Lakers can be very dangerous in a series, kind of a wild card team at this point. My entire point is, if Luka does not insist on being a better defensive player and by that I mean a MUCH better defensive player then the writing was probably on the wall for upper management to see, and they felt they had to move on from him

AD for Luka is pretty up there in terms of a lopsided trade. But I'm sure the Mavs players themselves are glad to have a stronger defender to work alongside with. Like I said, the Mavs are not built to fuck with this year's Western Conference. They're middle of the pack at best with Luka. With AD they might have a chance to get by and win something depending on what PJ, Klay, and Kyrie can do. Naji Marshall is also very good

Kyrie isn't even a great facilitator. He's a small shooting guard. He's always played best on teams where he wasn't the primary ball handler. In Cleveland he had Lebron. In New York he had Harden. In Dallas he had Luka. But now he's going to be the point guard for a team that has to win a title this year or next before it ages out of contention? The whole thing is crazy. Indefensible.

Luka wasn't a great defender and you want to move on? Insane, but ok. You go to every other team and let them know. You find the best possible offers and then you ask for more. What you don't do is secretly go to the Lakers, who already gave away a lot of future assets to acquire AD, and basically do a one for one deal. Nobody would advise that. No one. It's the most stupid, most idiotic thing you could possibly do if you want to maximize your return.

 

[Franky Family]

Kyrie isn't even a great facilitator. He's a small shooting guard. He's always played best on teams where he wasn't the primary ball handler. In Cleveland he had Lebron. In New York he had Harden. In Dallas he had Luka. But now he's going to be the point guard for a team that has to win a title this year or next before it ages out of contention? The whole thing is crazy. Indefensible.

Luka wasn't a great defender and you want to move on? Insane, but ok. You go to every other team and let them know. You find the best possible offers and then you ask for more. What you don't do is secretly go to the Lakers, who already gave away a lot of future assets to acquire AD, and basically do a one for one deal. Nobody would advise that. No one. It's the most stupid, most idiotic thing you could possibly do if you want to maximize your return.

It's not all about Kyrie. He's a fine player sure, but it's time for PJ Washington to step up and show what he can do. You're forgetting AD is a phenomenal ball handler and distributor for his immense size. Not Jokic good, but before Jokic it was AD who everyone was marveling over when he put the ball on the floor. You're overreacting. There is an argument for this trade

Yeah, because we all saw him get bodied like he was nothing by the Celtics last year. Insane? More like Luka got ran circles around, but ok. I'm not saying this trade is the best. It's a very shocking trade. But it's obviously what they wanted. Just listen to Mark Cuban and what he says. You'll get your answers soon I'm guessing, span of a handful of months or after the season. Is Luka worth one championship caliber superstar plus another star like you and the others in this thread seem to be indicating? How much better is he than AD? I don't see a ring around Luka's finger and tbh I can't see him winning one this year unless Reaves is the truth. So who and what exactly are you trying to get for Luka if you're the GM? Make the situational trade and let me know what was better for them @Stopped_Cold_29. I want to see what you would go for if you know better than Mavs executives. What hypothetical trade do you have in mind to compete this year if you're the Mavs? This blockbuster trade tells me they think they can compete and they want all in for this year or the next and then they're willing to see where they're at