NBA analyst still claims to be in shock over Luka Doncic's blockbuster Lakers trade

On Saturday night, Luka Doncic delivered an impressive 32-point performance for the LA Lakers's decisive 123-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets. This outing rubberstamped why the Slovenian is one of the best talents in the NBA.

Doncic's remarkable display against the Nuggets - which included 10 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and one block - again highlighted the monumental Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic trade, which came out of nowhere and stunned the basketball world. The Dallas Mavericks' decision to part ways with last season's top scorer, who is only just entering his prime, for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick was perplexing (Los Angeles also received Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris as part of the deal).

More than three weeks have passed since the blockbuster trade was announced, yet many in the industry are still trying to comprehend the events. On Monday, NBA analyst Zach Lowe reiterated his astonishment in a brief post on X (formerly Twitter).

"Also I have a very important NBA update: I still cannot believe Luka Doncic is on the Lakers. Like, literally. I feel like I'm hallucinating every time I watch them play."

Lowe is one of the most respected analysts in the sports media landscape and his words carry a lot of weight. The NBA expert has a massive following, with over 979,600 followers on X (formerly Twitter) alone.

Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has been heavily criticized for pursuing and completing a trade for Doncic. Mavericks fans were left fuming because Harrison opted not to consider offers from teams around the league but to deal directly with Rob Pelinka and the LA Lakers for a deal involving Anthony Davis.

Ten-time All-Star Davis is a player known to enhance a team's defense structure. But, sadly, it became worse as he sustained a left adductor strain on his Mavericks debut on Feb. 8. Reports indicate he will likely be out for at least another 10 days.

The Doncic trade positions the Lakers as major contenders in the Western Conference. Teaming Luka Doncic with four-time NBA MVP LeBron James creates one of the league's most formidable one-two punches.

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Former Lakers guard Patrick Beverley believes Mavs "got fleeced" in Luka Doncic trade

Former Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic and Los Angeles Lakers guard Patrick Beverley in action during an NBA game. (Credit: IMAGN)

Following the Luka Doncic trade news, players, fans and analysts from around the globe shared their opinions on the historic trade.

A few days after the trade, former Lakers guard Patrick Beverley — known for his outspoken views — discussed the Mavs' decision to part ways with Doncic on a Feb. 5 episode of "The Pat Bev Podcast."

" Dallas got fleeced," said Beverley

Amidst berating the Mavs organization, Beverley labeled Doncic as the top player in the NBA last season.

"This is no disrespect to Anthony Davis, but you just don't trade a player like Luka. Last year, he was the best player in the playoffs, the best player in the NBA."

Luka Doncic accrued 33.9 points per game in the 2023-24 NBA season and finished third in the MVP voting. He led the Dallas Mavericks to their first NBA finals since 2011.