In a surprising turn of events, LeBron James reacted with a three-word message in a group chat upon learning about Anthony Davis’s trade to the Dallas Mavericks. This significant trade, which sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, has sparked considerable discussion in the NBA community.
LeBron’s Reaction to the Trade
James, an NBA superstar, expressed his disbelief by typing “WTF” in the chat. This reaction unfolded on a notable night in February, marking one of the largest trades in NBA history. The details of this moment were revealed in Yaron Weitzman’s book, “A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers.”
Bronny James Breaks the News
Interestingly, it was Bronny James, LeBron’s son and a rookie with the Lakers, who shared the trading news. He posted the update from NBA insider Shams Charania in the players’ group chat. The trade was so shocking that Bronny and other players initially speculated if the news was authentic or the result of a hacking.
Anthony Davis’s Response
Anthony Davis himself joined the group chat shortly after the news broke. His initial reaction was one of disbelief, questioning, “Did these [N-word] just trade me?” He then conveyed good wishes to his former teammates before exiting the chat, highlighting the emotional nature of the situation.
Controversy Surrounding the Trade
This trade has been one of the most contentious in recent memory, leading to widespread criticism of Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison. Fans in Dallas expressed their frustration, calling for his dismissal following the trade.
Initial Deal Meetings
The negotiations for the trade demonstrated a degree of secrecy. Harrison and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka first met in a discreet location, a half-mile from American Airlines Arena, to discuss the deal. They adopted a low-profile appearance, with Pelinka wearing a black hoodie and Harrison a dark beanie.
Player Performance Post-Trade
- Anthony Davis averaged 20 points per game over nine contests with the Mavericks.
- Davis’s time on the court was limited due to injuries.
- Luka Dončić averaged 28.2 points per game after joining the Lakers.
After this trade, the postseason results were disappointing for both teams. The Mavericks were eliminated in the play-in round, while the Lakers faced an early exit from the playoffs, losing to the Timberwolves in the first round.
