Kevin Durant had strong words after hearing about the blockbuster trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks, calling it “insane” and “crazy.” Durant, speaking to Duane Rankin, expressed his amazement at the deal, highlighting how organizations are often not held to the same standards as players when it comes to loyalty.
“Players are held to a different standard of loyalty and commitment to a program, but the organizations don’t get held to that same standard from the outside,” Durant said. His reaction came shortly after news broke of the Lakers acquiring Luka Doncic from Dallas in exchange for Anthony Davis.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Lakers would receive Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks would get Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz were also involved, facilitating the trade by acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.
Durant noted the potential ripple effect the trade could have on other teams around the league. “For sure. You start seeing stuff like that, as an organization, you might get a little more courage to do some stuff,” he said. “This got to be the biggest trade I’ve seen since I’ve been in the league or since I’ve been watching the sport. This is insane.”
The Lakers’ decision to acquire Doncic came after internal discussions, with the team believing that the 25-year-old guard could become their long-term franchise cornerstone.
Doncic, currently sidelined with a calf injury, is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists this season. His addition to the Lakers’ roster alongside LeBron James promises to be one of the league’s most compelling storylines.
Meanwhile, Dallas bolstered its roster by adding Davis, who is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. The Mavericks now pair him with Kyrie Irving, forming a formidable duo to help strengthen their championship hopes. Davis’ defensive prowess gives Dallas a much-needed balance to their offensive firepower.
Durant’s comments reflect the wide-reaching impact of this deal, which could reshape the Western Conference playoff race. The Lakers currently sit fifth with a 28-19 record, while Dallas is eighth at 26-23. Both teams will need time to adjust to their new rosters, but the implications of this trade are undeniable.
As the Mavericks and Lakers move forward, Durant’s words about the deal show how this trade is set to influence the NBA landscape. “Every other team might get confidence and say ‘[forget it], I’ll trade a few of my top players if this ain’t working,'” Durant added.
This trade not only shifts the power dynamics in the West but also signals a new chapter for two of the league’s most iconic teams.
