Doc Rivers sounds like a Lakers and Luka Dončić truther: ‘Has to be more than any of us know’
The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off one of the most surprising trades in NBA history when they acquired Luka Dončić, and Doc Rivers insists there has to be more to the story. Rivers appeared on The Bill Simmons Podcast this week, which he will do somewhat regularly throughout the NBA season. And during the podcast,…
The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines by trading for Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks, a deal that left many wondering if there was more to the story than initially met the eye. Doc Rivers, who now heads the Milwaukee Bucks, shared his thoughts on the matter during a recent appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast. Rivers recounted receiving a text from a Milwaukee PR person about the trade, with his initial reaction being disbelief, followed quickly by, "No way!"
He expressed his belief that there must be more to the story, suggesting that a book detailing the behind-the-scenes intricacies might be published in 10 years. While the trade initially benefited both teams, the Mavericks soon became a shell of their former selves, making room for future star Cooper Flagg. The Lakers, meanwhile, acquired one of the most talented players in the league, Luka Dončić.
However, not everyone was convinced of the trade's merit at the time. Analysts like Colin Cowherd and Max Kellerman questioned whether Davis and Kyrie Irving could lead the Mavericks to a championship, with some even suggesting the Mavericks should trade Dončić. Despite the initial criticism, Dončić's performance has been impressive, leading the Lakers with an average of 38 points per game since the trade.
Doc Rivers remains confident in his assessment, suggesting that there may be an explanation for the trade that will be revealed in the years to come, shaping up to be a tale worth telling.
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