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ESPN analyst Bob Myers says the Dallas Mavericks sent a blunt message to Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic after pulling off the most shocking trade in NBA history for Anthony Davis. While some speculate something occurred between Doncic and the Mavericks' front office that triggered the trade, Myers points to the front office's belief in Luka or lack thereof.
Bob Myers, the Warriors' former GM, says it's as simple as the Mavericks stopped believing in Doncic's ability to bring its team to the promised land despite last year's trip to the NBA Finals.
“They don't think he can get them to where they want to go,” Myers said. “That doesn't mean they're right, but that's why they did it. That doesn't mean they're right, but they know him better than we do. They looked at him and said $350 million, and I know, I'm not saying this, this is what they're saying, I don't believe he can win us a championship.”
Myers speculates that lack of belief in Doncic extends beyond Mavs GM Nico Harrison.
“Not only Nico [Harrison], the ownership didn't. Jason Kidd, they say he didn't know. I'm sure he had an idea,” Myers added. “I'm sure he had an idea of what's going on there. He's the coach. And so, of the powers that be, they looked at each other, and said, we don't think he can get us there.”
"They don't think he can get them where they want to go."
Bob Myers on why the Mavs were "frustrated" with Luka Doncic 👀 pic.twitter.com/OTXi9a40Vb
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 6, 2025
Doncic joins superstar LeBron James, guard Austin Reaves, and the Lakers as they look to make a triumphant return to the NBA Finals for the first time in five years. Los Angeles captured its last championship in 2020, and before Thursday's NBA trade deadline, the Lakers traded Dalton Knecht for Mark Williams of the Charlotte Hornets to help make up for Davis' absence.
The Lakers also sent veteran Cam Reddish, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap to the Hornets.
Draymond Green on the Lakers' Luka Doncic/Anthony Davis deal
Warriors veteran Draymond Green didn't hold back on his take on who won the Mavericks' blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis in exchange for superstar Luka Doncic. Green gave the edge to the Mavericks on a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis.
“In the interim right now today, Anthony Davis, Dallas,” Green said. “The reason I say this is because that’s a made team.”
Perhaps the Lakers' latest trade for Williams would change Green's mind over the past 24 hours.