Donald Trump Labels Luka Doncic’s Trade to Lakers ‘Worst of All Time’

Donald Trump criticized the controversial trade that sent Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Donald Trump Labels Luka Doncic’s Trade to Lakers ‘Worst of All Time’

Donald Trump on Luka Doncic (Image credits - PBS and Bleacher Report)

Luka Doncic may be one of the most talented players the NBA has ever seen. Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks as the third pick in the 2018 NBA draft, he was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Trae Young.

The Slovenian star did not take long to make a name for himself in the league. He was named Rookie of the Year and was ready to take over from Dirk Nowitzki as the face of the franchise.

Doncic led the Mavs to the NBA Finals in 2024. It was their first Final since winning the championship in 2011. While all the signs pointed to Doncic lifting a title with the Mavs, he was surprisingly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers at the trade deadline last year.

The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, is an avid fan of the New York Knicks. Recently, he was seen attending the NBA Finals between the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.

During his speech in Dallas, Trump said that Doncic’s trade to the Lakers may be one of the worst trades of all time.

I must tell you, I don’t understand the trade. That trade is not good. What do I know about basketball? I would say that it’s not going to go down as the greatest trade in the history of sports, it might go down as the worst trade in the history of sports. Was it Luka?

Donald Trump in his speech in Dallas

The Doncic-Anthony Davis trade will go down as one of the most shocking trades in NBA history. The move caught everyone by surprise, including LeBron James.

The Mavs have struggled since trading away their superstar. They missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year as they finished at 12th place in the Western Conference standings last season.

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Donald Trump jokes about trying to “redo” the Luka Doncic trade

Luka Doncic was traded away in the middle of his seventh season with the Mavs. The Mavs did get a first-round pick from the trade, which turned into Cooper Flagg. Flagg has shown that he has what it takes to lead the franchise for years to come, but it has set back their championship aspirations by a few years.

Speaking to the Dallas crowd, Donald Trump suggested redoing the trade.

Maybe we could redo that trade. I redo deals all the time. We gotta redo that deal. I don’t get that deal. Some deals you understand; I understand deals. But that one I didn’t quite get.

Donald Trump in his speech in Dallas

The Mavs fanbase did not receive Doncic’s trade to the Lakers well. Many even protested outside the American Airlines Center after the deal was made.

While several Mavs fans would have loved the idea of Doncic returning to Dallas, it is clear that Trump was just joking about it. But at least Mavs fans have the reigning Rookie of the Year to be excited about heading forward.

Luka Doncic has settled into the Lakers

After the move, Luka Doncic became the face of the Lakers. Following James’ exit, Doncic is now the leader and the centerpiece of the organization. The Lakers are going through a period of transition both on and off the court.

'Skinny' Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic (Image via Polymarket Hoops/X)

Since Doncic joined the Lakers, he has been an unstoppable force. He led the Lakers to a fourth-place finish in a stacked Western Conference last season. He came fourth in the MVP race and won the scoring title as he averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in 64 appearances.

Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury, which ruled him out for the entire playoffs. The Lakers were clean swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals.

But it looks like the 27-year-old is enthusiastic heading into the new season. With James gone, the Lakers front office has built their roster around their Slovenian point guard and will be looking to contend for the championship next year.

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