Anthony Davis shuts down Jeanie Buss’s claims over shocking Luka Doncic trade

Anthony Davis sent a clear message to the Lakers front office after Jeanie Buss admitting unwillingness to trade AD.

Anthony Davis shuts down Jeanie Buss’s claims over shocking Luka Doncic trade

Anthony Davis shut down Jeanie Buss and Lakers' claims about trading him

When the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic, it was something no one had expected. For years, Davis was considered the cornerstone of the team and a part of their future. However, as he continues to settle down in Dallas, AD isn’t a fan of Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and others telling him one thing.

Lakers governor Jeanie Buss recently addressed the trade, making it clear that Los Angeles had no intention of moving Anthony Davis. Instead, she claimed that the opportunity to acquire Luka Doncic was simply too good to pass up. AD, however, isn’t entirely convinced by that narrative. After his first game back at the Crypto.com Arena, Davis addressed the media about his emotions that night.

Everybody’s saying nobody knew and all this other sh*t. I just don’t believe it. But, hey man, I’m past that. I’m ready to move forward with Dallas, try to get a championship there with these guys… All the emotions, that sh*t lasted that night when it was just a shock.

Anthony Davis said postgame
YouTube video

Davis’s comments came just a day after Buss’s public remarks during her appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. The daughter of Dr. Jerry Buss maintained that the Lakers were not looking to trade AD, given his importance for the future of the team post the LeBron James era. However, the opportunity to pair up a 25-year-old rising star like Luka Doncic with James to lead the team into its future was too enticing.

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While Jeanie Buss insists the team wasn’t actively shopping him, Davis seems skeptical. His frustration is also understandable given that LeBron James, his longtime teammate and close friend, has echoed similar sentiments, claiming he was caught off guard by the trade. Though Davis didn’t call out James directly, his comments suggest he’s tired of hearing the same explanations from his former organization.

Jeanie Buss revealed Luka Doncic’s heartfelt Kobe Bryant admission

In the buildup to the Lakers-Mavericks showdown, Jeanie Buss shared Luka Doncic’s initial reaction to joining the Lakers. She also highlighted his special admiration for Kobe Bryant, which motivates him in Purple and Gold. Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Buss recalled her first-ever conversation with the Slovenian superstar after the trade.

When I met him, the first thing I said to him was… ‘You’re gonna write your own chapter in the Lakers history book. We’re excited to have you.’ And he said he really wished that Kobe was there.

Jeanie Buss said on The Rich Eisen Show

Bryant’s influence on Doncic extended beyond that single encounter. During an appearance on The Old Man and the Three podcast with JJ Redick, Doncic had once recalled a moment at the Nike headquarters when Bryant offered him career advice. It’s no surprise, then, that he still holds a deep admiration for Bryant and his legendary work ethic.

For Buss, seeing Luka Doncic in a Lakers uniform is about more than just winning games, it’s about carrying on the legacy that Bryant left behind. She hopes that wearing the Purple and Gold will inspire him to strive for greatness in the same way Kobe Bryant did. As such, the ultimate goal of bringing more championships to Los Angeles continues with Doncic leading the team.