Were you shocked? We were shocked. Seems the entire hoops universe was caught off guard. Now that there’s been a little time for things to settle (is that possible?) our man Shaq talks about his surprise over the Luka blockbuster deal, and what it means going forward.
For those that have been traveling off-planet for the past week, the NBA world was rocked by a blockbuster trade that sent shockwaves through the league. The Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz pulled off a stunning deal, swapping Lakers star Anthony Davis for Mavericks phenom Luka Dončić.
What made the trade even more jaw-dropping was the complete lack of leaks beforehand—even the players involved had no idea it was coming. Jazz president Danny Ainge was reportedly just as surprised as the rest of us.
The BIG Podcast with SHAQ
Naturally, the debate about who won the trade is raging among analysts and fans. NBA Hall of Famer and Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal has now added his voice to the discussion, expressing disappointment over how the situation was handled by both franchises.
“Well, obviously, Dallas didn’t want to move forward with one of the greatest young players we’ve seen in today’s game,” Shaq said on NBA on TNT. “I just wish the business side of basketball had been handled better.”
He also noted how Dončić, a five-time All-NBA First Team selection in just five seasons, deserved more communication. “You’d think a guy of his caliber would get at least a heads-up. Like, ‘Hey, this isn’t working out, we might need to make a move.’ But instead, he found out like the rest of us. Honestly, I had to check my calendar to make sure it wasn’t April Fool’s Day.”
Shaq then reflected on the brutal reality of NBA business. “This is just how it works. I remember when Patrick Ewing got traded. Then Dominique Wilkins. Then me. Then you. Nobody’s safe. But still, it’s tough to see.”
As for his take on who got the better deal?
“There was always talk about whether AD and LeBron could truly thrive together,” Shaq said. “Of course they can. That’s not even a question. But looking at it right now, I think Dallas won this trade—at least for the next two years.”
From a short-term perspective, the Mavericks appear to have secured the upper hand. Davis is dominating this season, averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. Plus, he finally gets to play power forward instead of center, a role he’s always preferred.
However, the Lakers may have made the smarter long-term investment. Dončić is a generational talent who can take the reins when LeBron James eventually hangs it up. Even in what’s considered a “down year” for him, he’s still putting up 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and two steals per game.
The Mavericks have made a move that keeps them competitive right now. The Lakers have made a move that could keep them competitive for years to come. Time will tell which franchise truly came out on top.