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Shaquille O'Neal Names Clear Winner in Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew McCarty | Last updated Feb 4, 2025 7:22 PM ET

Over the weekend the Dallas Mavericks stunned the basketball world by sending Luka Doncic, the face of the franchise since he was drafted, to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis.

After taking a few days to process the news, former Lakers star Shaquille O'Neal shared his thoughts on the deal. He made it clear he wasn't pleased with how the Mavericks went about trading the superstar, suggesting a lack of respect from the organization.

However, he understands the business of basketball, pointing to the stunning trades of Patrick Ewing, Dominique Wilkins, Vince Carter, and, of course, himself.

"Obviously Dallas didn't want to move forward with one of the greatest young players that we've seen today. I wish the business of basketball could have been handled a little better. I think a guy with five years in the league and five All-NBA's would at least get the conversation like, 'Hey, things are not going well this could possibly happen...'" Shaq said about Doncic.

"For the next 2 years, I think Dallas won that trade."

Shaq on the Luka & AD trade. pic.twitter.com/wkCrTxtcSI
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 5, 2025

Shaq continued his thoughts, revealing the "winner."

"...But now he's in La La Land, his jersey is going from No. 6 to No. 1. You know there was a lot of speculation of can him and LeBron play with each other and the answer is yes of course they can play with each other. It's going to be interesting. However, I think Dallas got the better of the trade, for the next two years anyway," he said.

It will take years to determine which team actually "won" the trade, but Shaq gives the early edge to the Mavericks.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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