Shams Charania Recalls Wild 7 Minutes on Night of Luka Doncic Historic Trade

ESPN journalist Shams Charania recently looked back on one of the biggest trades in NBA history involving Luka Doncic on a recent podcast.

Shams Charania Recalls Wild 7 Minutes on Night of Luka Doncic Historic Trade

Luka Doncic (Image by FirstSportz)

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The Luka Doncic trade back in February sent shockwaves throughout the NBA world when he was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. Nobody saw that coming, and even the Slovenian was shocked. So much so that the main man who broke this news, ESPN’s top journalist Shams Charania, was also left shocked when he came across this news.

Most recently, Charania looked back on one of his biggest trade news stories of his career on the ‘Sports Reporters‘ podcast. The journo spoke about a plethora of topics concerning his personal life, journey as an NBA insider, and many more. However, the one that caught much attention was his behind-the-scenes take on the Luka Doncic trade deal.

The insider claimed that he first received denials from reliable sources, despite rumors circulated by league officials and coaching contacts in Dallas and Los Angeles. He further stated that something ‘did not feel right’ as several of his ‘league sources’ were acting unusual at the same time when he questioned them about news regarding Doncic.

I slept for like 30 minutes that night. That deal happened on a Saturday night. On Wednesday, there was a tip… that the Mavs and Lakers were talking about a deal. There was a player they were discussing, but that player was nowhere to be found in the actual deal… It took me 7 minutes to get all the details, confirm it, write up the tweet.

Shams Charania said on the ‘Sports Reporters’ podcast

Furthermore, Charania stated that his greatest regret in the tweet was a ‘typo.’ The ESPN journalist claimed that the Doncic trade news on X was one of the greatest features in NBA history and that it should have been flawless.

Before Charania, Adrian Wojnarowski was the top NBA insider for ESPN. They hired Charania to take over after Wojnarowski announced his retirement from journalism in September 2024. Given that, Charnia’s life is not easy, as he’s always on the lookout for breaking news.

Shams Charania recently opened up about life as an NBA insider

The life of an NBA insider is not easy. It comes with immense sacrifices of personal relationships due to the requirement to be immersed in the sport. Only then a story can be broken at any time and at any given situation of the season. Such is the life of ESPN journalist Shams Charania, who recently opened up on this matter.

I’ve had to walk out on dates, I’ve had to walk out on social events. My friends don’t really like me. That’s why it’s very hard to have a consistent relationship because it’s just like you know the time that it requires and you know the time they deserve, rightfully, and there are just moments where I’m just always gonna choose this.

Shams Charania said on the ‘Sports Reporters’ podcast

Shams Charania is aware that he runs the risk of missing the next scoop every minute he isn’t connected. Charania wouldn’t have done it any other way; he puts aside any other obligations in his life to cover the game. Although it’s a significant sacrifice that not everyone is prepared to undertake, the NBA insider excels at what he does for a reason.

Luka Doncic made an interesting case on playing for his nation at the EuroBasket tournament

Ever since Slovenian star Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers back in February, he has been enjoying life in LA and remains a fan favorite. Although not performing up to expectations this past 2024-25 NBA season, Doncic has put in a lot of hard work and commitment over the offseason. After all, he is aiming to reach new heights with the Lakers as well as his nation.

Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic (Credits: MARCA)

Recently, the Slovenian claimed that he is ready to play whenever required for his nation with the upcoming EuroBasket tournament on the horizon.

Whenever I have the opportunity to play for the national team, I do it. Because I am healthy, the decision to play this time was not difficult for me at all.

Luka Doncic told Slovenian outlet Dnevnik

Doncic recently completed a press trip in the United States to highlight his recent body makeover before agreeing to an additional three-year deal with the Lakers. Notably, Doncic will play against Germany in a pre-tournament friendly for his nation, Slovenia. This will also put the Lakers’ star to a fitness check, who has gone from being overweight to muscled up over the offseason.

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