Quinn Cook, a former Laker and Golden State Warrior, shared his disbelief over the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks.
In a candid social media post, Cook expressed his shock, saying, “No loyalty in this sh** man. AD helped bring LA a championship in Year 1 after a 10-year drought. Luka took the Mavs to the Finals a couple months ago. Both are at the top of their game right now. Wowww s**t don’t make sense.”
Cook’s reaction only deepened during his conversation with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. “Shocked just like everybody,” Cook admitted. “I think this is the most shocking trade I’ve seen in my lifetime.”
He continued, “When Shams tweeted it, everybody thought it was fake. But then he confirmed it, and I was like, ‘Hold up, Shams doesn’t drop fake news.’ Man, I was shocked, shocked, SHOCKED!”
While Cook acknowledges the shock of the trade, he also understands why both teams made the deal. “Luka is top 3 or 5 in the league right now,” he said. “It’s crazy that he made it to the Finals last year and is getting traded before the All-Star break. But you get a guy like AD who’s a proven winner. I think Dallas is in ‘win-now’ mode, while LA is thinking long-term with Luka leading the way after LeBron.”
Cook’s take on the trade contrasts with NBA legend Charles Barkley’s skepticism about the LeBron James-Doncic duo. Cook is optimistic, believing that LeBron’s leadership will bring the best out of Luka. “LeBron’s gonna make it work, man,” Cook said. “He’s the greatest ever. When Kyrie was in Cleveland, LeBron pushed him to be the best version of himself, even letting him take the most shots. I think he’ll do the same for Luka. LeBron will give him the keys and help him see what it takes to be one of the greats.”
Dallas, meanwhile, has also made a strategic move. Cook praises the Mavericks’ acquisition of Davis, especially with the defensive boost he brings. “With AD’s defense and the firepower Kyrie brings, I like the direction Dallas is headed,” Cook explained. “But I’m also really intrigued to see how LeBron and Luka gel in LA.”
Cook believes the Mavericks are well-positioned to make a deep playoff run with Davis alongside Kyrie Irving. He also highlighted Dallas’ roster depth, noting players like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, which will allow AD to focus more on his dominant role at the four.
“Jason Kidd is one of the smartest coaches I’ve ever been around,” Cook said. “He knows how to unlock AD’s potential. With Kidd in the fold, this is gonna work. It’s gonna be fun to watch.”
The trade, which has shaken the NBA, sees the Lakers acquiring Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks receive Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz, as facilitators, added Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.
The Mavericks initiated the trade, which saw Los Angeles secure Doncic as their long-term leader. At just 25, Doncic is a rising star, averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists this season. Meanwhile, Davis’ arrival in Dallas brings an elite defender to pair with Kyrie Irving, with the Mavericks now firmly in “win-now” mode.
Both teams are hoping to bolster their rosters for the playoffs. The Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference at 28-19, while the Mavericks are in ninth at 26-24. The trade has set the stage for exciting matchups in the West, with both teams adjusting to their new lineups.
With a LeBron-Doncic partnership in LA and Davis strengthening Dallas’ defense, all eyes are on the Western Conference as the trade shakes up the playoff race.
