Mavericks Vs Lakers : Trade , Gamestats , Reactions
The game on 26th february between Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks which was held in Crypto.com Arena was highly anticipated no fans were disappointed after the match as fans both teams witnessed the first game between Luka Dončić and his former team after a blockbuster trade that exchanged in between the two players Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis. Dončić’s team won the match with a 107-99 final score but the game was not just about the final score.
The Blockbuster trade that shocked the NBA:
This trade exchanges the two players named Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis which sent Dončić to Los Angeles Lakers and Anothony Davis to Mavericks which was unexpected in the history of NBA. Dončić has been playing against the Mavericks since he entered the league in 2018 which sent Dallas fans in shock and same for Anthony Davis he had built an unbreakable partnership with LeBron James, helping his team (Lakers) win the 2020 NBA championship.
Nico Harrison the GM of Dallas Mavericks justifies the trade by saying “ We needed a player who could help us defensively and provide a new direction for the team.” The Lakers fans and analysts from the world of Basketball widely viewed this move as an absolute for Los Angeles.
This 26th Feb game was the first matchup between Lakers and Dallas after the trade which in result took the drama to the next level, with both Dončić and David increased motivation in both of them. The game was very exciting for both team and fans and showed the basketball world how this trade could affect both teams in the near future.
Key Performances of the game:
Luka Dončić: A Triple-Double Against Dallas Mavericks
Playing against his former team after the trade, Dončić did a triple-double performance beautifully, finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists. His contribution to the team surely led them to victory even if it was not the most efficient gameplay of Dončić. After the trade the Dallas fans, who were also the fans of Luka Dončić, still showed their support for the former star. Everyone can certainly feel the emotional weight this game carried.
It has been a little difficult for Dončić adjusting to playing alongside LeBron James because both players are ball dominant. This game and all the previous matches of Dončić with lakers has shown the signs that both Dončić and LeBron James can coexist effectively. However, James is adjusting himself by playing more off the ball at times and Dončić is focusing more on playmaking.
LeBron James:; The Veteran Leader
Playing at the age of 39 , LeBron James is still proving his supremacy and why he is one of the GOAT (greatest of all time) players. He contributed 27 points and 12 rebounds to the team, in a time which was crucial for the team to ensure the Laker’s victory. James’ leadership and ability to adapt and ability to control the tempo were seen throughout the match.
Even if James is performing at an elite level he discussed openly that he is in the final stages of his career meaning he can retire at any time. And of course with Donicic joining Los Angeles, the expectation of James getting retired increased dramatically. There are chances that the former star of Dallas will take the reins from LeBron and may become the next face of the Lakers.
Austin Reaves: A rising star
Austin Reaves scored 20 points in the match against Dallas Mavericks on 26th of february. He has improved so much and became one of the most reliable contributors to his team and showing his ability to thrive even when playing alongside these goated players like Doncic and James. Reaves constantly improved which made his role as a key player for the Lakers.
Reaves has worked really hard in the team and as a result he became a legitimate third option scorer, which proves he can deliver heated and tense moments while playing.
Kyrie Irving: Lone Bright Spot for Dallas
Kyrie Irving scored 35 points against lakers. In this match he was the standout performer for the Mavericks. He showcased his offensive power with brilliance , but surely he alone was not enough to beat and overcome the Laker’s balanced attack. He plays as the primary scorer and playmaker for Dallsas but he lacks a strong support from the team which was seen in this match.
With Luka Doncic gone, the mavericks are struggling and they have become more reliant on Irving to carry this team and he certainly is capable of doing so.
Trade Impact and Reactions:
This trade which interchanged the players Luke Doncic and Anthony Davis was on of the most unexpected move in the history of NBA, and after this match the trade’s impact is being felt across the league and also among the fans and analyst continue to debate on this trade weather it is right move from the Mavericks or not.
It is seen that Lakers are benefiting more from this choice which is not acceptable for some Dallas fans and maybe for the Dallas’ GM.
Fan reactions on the game:
The basketball community has been busy with the discussion about how this trade had reshaped the league. Many are believing that the Lakers took a historic steal, while some are counting this by saying that Dallas is focusing on long term benefits with Davis. This has become a sensation on the internet and social media are filled with speculations
about how Lakers Doncic and James will work together or will Davis thrive as the face of Mavericks.
With the Lakers moving ahead and the Mavericks struggling with this new arrangement everyone is waiting not so patiently for the next matchup. Because of this trade it ensures that every showdown between Lakers and Mavericks will be a must watch match this season.
One thing we know for sure that this is far from over.
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