The sports world is still reeling from the unexpected trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. During Super Bowl LIX week in New Orleans, the blockbuster NBA trade stole some of the spotlight from the upcoming NFL championship game. Several NFL players shared their disbelief with Fox News Digital, expressing astonishment at the Dallas Mavericks' decision to part ways with their young superstar.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs compared the trade to a top-tier player in his prime being traded for practically nothing. He struggled to find a comparable scenario in the NFL, even mentioning Myles Garrett's trade request as less impactful. The sheer magnitude of the Doncic trade resonated even with players who don't closely follow basketball. Free agent wide receiver Braxton Berrios speculated that there must be an untold story behind the scenes, given the Mavericks' willingness to trade the face of their franchise.
Berrios highlighted the potential fallout for the Mavericks, including season ticket refunds and damage to the team's image. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. drew a parallel to the NFL, suggesting that trading Doncic is akin to trading a star quarterback like Lamar Jackson or Patrick Mahomes. The trade sent shockwaves through the sports world, with some initially questioning its legitimacy. In exchange for Doncic, the Mavericks received All-Star center Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie, and a future first-round pick.
While the Mavericks believe the trade will benefit them in the long run, the Lakers now boast a formidable duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic, a pairing few envisioned outside of an All-Star game.
