When a trade in the NBA is as monumental as the one between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks, it remains a hot topic long after the dust settles. Over a month has passed since Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis switched teams, yet the basketball world continues to discuss its implications. This time, it’s Phoenix Suns icon Steve Nash who shared his thoughts on the deal.
What stood out most about the trade was how secretive the negotiations were. Only a select few knew it was happening before Shams Charania’s announcement stunned the NBA world. Nash praised the Lakers’ front office for their ability to keep the deal under wraps.
In an interview with Flashscore, Nash commended the Lakers’ ability to maintain discretion. “I think everybody was shocked. They clearly did an incredible job, especially in today’s age of keeping it quiet,” Nash said.
He also highlighted how the trade will reshape the NBA for years to come. “It definitely changes the landscape of the NBA and the Western Conference,” Nash continued. “And, you know, even the next 10 years, having one of the best players in the game go to the Lakers”.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the LA Clippers during the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Nash on the Lakers’ playoff chances with Doncic
Despite Luka Doncic’s immediate impact on the Lakers, including leading them to five consecutive wins, Nash believes the trade doesn’t automatically make them playoff favorites.
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The former Lakers player acknowledged that Doncic gives the team a solid chance but emphasized there’s still work to do. “I think they have a chance,” Nash noted. “They’ve opened the door to be a contender, but there’s so much they have to sort out”.
Nash on Doncic and LeBron’s partnership
According to Nash, the Lakers’ superstar duo still has work to do in terms of building chemistry. He noted the similarities in their playing styles, which could take time to harmonize.
“You know, they’re just starting to play together. You have two players that are actually quite similar,” Nash explained. “They kind of are point forwards. So trying to make all those pieces fit, trying to get their defense solid”.
The former Suns star believes it’s too soon to label the Lakers as championship contenders, but he’s optimistic about their potential if Doncic and LeBron can gel on the court.
“(I am) very interested to see, and I think they definitely could play themselves into contention, but I think it’s really early to say that when we haven’t seen it at least for a few weeks to see maybe some light, some understanding, some connectivity. But there’s a chance,” Nash concluded.
