Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Reacts to Luka Dončić Trade

The deal wasn’t just about the future; it was a seismic shift for both teams in the present. The Lakers sent Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick to Dallas, while Jalen Hood-Schifino and a second-rounder landed with the Utah Jazz. In return, the Lakers received Dončić, along with big men Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. While Davis now gives the Mavericks a formidable defensive anchor alongside Kyrie Irving, Dončić’s move to L.A. positions him as the face of the most storied franchise in NBA history.

When a trade of this magnitude happens, everyone in the basketball world weighs in—including Lakers legends. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest players in the history of the game, took to his Substack to break down the deal.

"Davis, one of the best centers in the league, will be greatly missed by the Lakers, but in the long run, this trade will be a tremendous benefit to the team," Abdul-Jabbar wrote. "LeBron James and Anthony Davis were terrific teammates and they probably will miss playing together, but both men know that what happens on the court is only one part of the game. The other part is more like chess, where valuable pieces are sometimes sacrificed to gain a strategic advantage."

Abdul-Jabbar knows a thing or two about Lakers history. The Hall of Famer spent 14 seasons in Los Angeles, winning five championships while becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer—a record that stood until LeBron James broke it last year. He understands better than most that the Lakers’ legacy is built on elite talent, and with LeBron nearing the end of his career, Dončić gives them the next decade’s worth of superstar firepower.

Davis, who played a crucial role in the Lakers’ 2020 championship run, turns 32 next month. While his defensive presence and scoring ability will immediately make the Mavericks a contender in the West, the Lakers have always been about longevity. They aren’t just chasing a title this year—they’re setting themselves up to be a dominant force for years to come.

With Dončić in purple and gold, the Lakers aren’t just thinking about winning now. They’re thinking about the next dynasty.