Anyone who follows sports is familiar with those “Where were you when it happened” moments — those instances where the news doesn’t even feel real and every aspect of it leaves us stunned. One of these moments occurred this past weekend with the Dallas Mavericks trading superstar guard Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for forward Anthony Davis in a three-team deal. 

This move was hard to believe for many in and around the league. On the “Run it Back” podcast on Fanduel TV, former Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons shared what former Mavs owner Mark Cuban had to say about the Lakers acquiring Dončić.

“I’m so confused,’” Parsons said. 

“That makes two of us,” Cuban said.

Dončić, a five-time All-NBA member and one of the league’s most dynamic players, who is considered to be “untouchable” in trade proposals, joins forces with NBA legend LeBron James, creating a powerhouse duo that has the potential to be a lethal pairing. The move signals the Lakers’ commitment to winning now with Lebron, while still planning for the future post-retirement. Meanwhile, the Mavericks aim to reset around Davis, hoping his defensive presence and experience will keep them competitive. 

Though Davis is a great player in his own right, the age difference and discrepancy in “ceiling” between the two players cannot be denied. Luka’s career is on a trajectory that very few have ever reached. This past season, he made it through a tough Western Conference to reach his first NBA finals. For those who may not be the most familiar with basketball, leading a team to the finals is a feat that cannot be understated. However, it seems as if Dallas’ front office did exactly that.

Although this year’s NBA trade deadline has been filled to the brim with blockbuster moves, this trade is shaping up to be monumental for the league’s future.

For more from The Feather, read Road to Super Bowl LIX: Wild Card Recap or Cheer pulls out of CIF championship