As the phone buzzed on a brisk and cold Sunday morning in February. Many NBA fans were shocked to discover that Luka Dončić, beloved by many Dallas Mavericks fans, was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. It is a shock to many because how can an organization let go of their superstar so easily? How can a franchise player leave without a proper farewell? Suffolk students react to the trade that occurred.
Diego Carlisle, 19, a biology major at Suffolk County Community College has been an NBA fan since the age of 11. Carlisle shared his perspective on the trade. “My initial reaction was that I couldn’t believe that it was real. I couldn’t believe it. I was thinking that there was no way that the Lakers traded one of their best players away. I was shocked.” Despite watching the NBA for 8 years now, Carlisle couldn’t compare this trade to any other moment in the NBA. “It’s a unique situation.”
Carlisle also discussed his view on what’s to come for the rest of the season for both Lakers and Mavericks. “This trade benefits the Lakers long term. Bringing in a 25-year-old generational talent, it will help the Lakers achieve success anytime soon. However, for the Mavericks, this deal is more of a short-term deal. Anthony Davis isn’t reliable since he is injury prone.”
Franklin Diaz, 19, a liberal arts major at Suffolk Community College has been an NBA fan for the last 8 years. Diaz perspective on the trade was “I was in denial because who would trade Luka and Anthony Davis.” Trying to process what’s going on, Diaz stated, “the team that won the trade was the Lakers. They have a consistent young superstar for Anthony Davis. That’s a steal.” Comparing this trade to any other trade in NBA history, Diaz compared it to the time when the Brooklyn Nets traded their future stars for super stars. “It was a blockbuster. Traded away their future for superstars, only to end up trading the superstars away.”
Diaz also thought about long term success for the Lakers and Mavericks. “I believe this would push the Lakers to the playoffs but would have a second-round exit. Meanwhile with the Mavericks, I believe they can go all the way to fight for a championship but lose out to the Timberwolves.”
