Paul Pierce Suggests Lakers Trade LeBron James After Luka Doncic Deal
The NBA world was stunned on Saturday night when it was revealed that Luka Doncic had been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a huge deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks.
Reports even claim that Doncic was unaware of the trade before it happened.
According to Shams Charania, the trade was kept under wraps, with LeBron James, Davis, and Doncic all caught off guard by the negotiations.
“This deal came out of nowhere,” Charania explained. “LeBron James had no idea it was coming. Anthony Davis had no idea it was coming. I’m told Luka Doncic is still shocked about this trade.”
The Lakers acquired Doncic, Max Kleber, and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks received Davis, young guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Jazz also entered the deal, gaining Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.
While Lakers fans celebrated the arrival of the generational talent in Doncic, former NBA star Paul Pierce quickly voiced his concerns about the new duo.
“LeBron and Luka don’t seem to fit,” Pierce tweeted. “Both need the ball too much. Trade Bron and Bronny back to Cleveland, build around Luka – that’s the only way to save the Lakers.”
“He’s not the superstar LA needs. Doesn’t fit the mold of Magic, Kobe, Shaq, LeBron. Just saying… bad move.”
Before a calf injury sidelined him, Doncic was averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. Meanwhile, James, now in his 22nd season, continues to put up impressive numbers with 24.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 7.6 rebounds per game for the Lakers.
With both Doncic and James being high-usage players, questions remain about how they will share the floor under head coach JJ Reddick. Whether this pairing will succeed, or if the Lakers, now 28-19, will need to make another move, is still to be determined.