Video: Devin Booker Reveals Reaction to Dončić-Lakers Trade, 'I Said Luka Garza?'
February 2, 2025
The feeling of shock and surprise about the Luka Dončić trade to the Los Angeles Lakers wasn't limited to fans and analysts, as longtime Dončić rival Devin Booker shared his thoughts on the move Saturday night.
Speaking to reporters after the Phoenix Suns' loss to the Portland Trail Blazers (starts at 1:25 mark), Booker admitted to thinking a different Luka had been traded.
"I said, Luka Garza?" Booker said, talking about the Minnesota Timberwolves backup center.
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin"It's crazy man. I really don't know what to say about it. Luka being a guy that everybody has claimed is untouchable and untradeable. The NBA shows you again."<br><br>Devin Booker on colossal Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade.<br><br>"It's a business. They're always having a conversation… <a href="https://t.co/p2DdVR7u3N">pic.twitter.com/p2DdVR7u3N</a>
ESPN's Shams Charania reported the Lakers are sending Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick to Dallas in exchange for Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in a three-team deal that also involved the Utah Jazz.
A trade involving Garza would make more sense than whatever Dallas' mindset in this deal is.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon noted the Mavs had "major concerns" about Dončić's long-term outlook because of his "constant conditioning issues" as he was set to become eligible for another supermax contract after this season.
Dončić has only played in 22 games this season due to injuries, including a calf strain suffered on Christmas Day that has kept him out for 19 consecutive games.
Even though nagging injuries have been a problem throughout Dončić's career, it's not like he's ever missed a lot of time. He never missed more than 17 games in a season in his career prior to this season.
Dončić was having a down season, at least by his standards, prior to the calf injury. He's averaging his fewest points (28.1) and rebounds (8.3) per game since 2020-21; and fewest assists (7.8) since his rookie campaign in 2018-19. His field-goal percentage (45.4) and three-point percentage (35.4) are the lowest since 2021-22.
One good part about the Mavs dealing Dončić within the Western Conference is it keeps his rivalry with Booker going strong.
The Lakers and Suns have one more head-to-head meeting left in the regular season on March 16 at Crypto.com Arena.
Booker went 2-0 in two matchups with Dončić this season, but it will be interesting to see how things change now that Dončić is being paired with LeBron James for the stretch run this season.