Luka Dončić’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers this season was one of the most shocking in NBA history. While the Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Mavericks did not advance to the postseason.
Some wild trade ideas involving Dončić have been floating around the internet. A Lakers insider shared his thoughts on one that required the team to trade their most recent superstar signing for another big name.
Lakers insider explains why Luka Dončić would not be traded for another superstar
Jovan Buha, a Lakers insider, hosted a Q&A session to discuss the best offseason trades, the buzz around centers, and free agency. One of the viewers proposed a crazy trade idea for the Lakers and asked the host if he would do it.
“Would you trade Luka for Giannis, if possible? Every current Lakers player, including Bron, could work better with Giannis than Luka. The viewer wondered if Giannis could be the next Bron when he retires.
Buha was quick to express his displeasure with the deal. However, he did agree with the user to some extent.
“I wouldn’t. I believe you can make the argument. So, if you want to make the argument, I don’t think you’re incorrect, and I believe there’s something to it. “I believe Giannis is the better player right now, but that hasn’t always been the case,” he said.
The Lakers insider backed up his claim with last season’s data.
“Last year, you could argue Luka was better than Giannis… During the regular season, he averaged 33, almost 34 points per game, or 34, 10, and 10. He didn’t quite reach the triple-double mark, but he was right there, leading the team to the finals,” Buha said.
He cited health and age as other reasons for his decision.
“I believe they are fairly close. Luka’s four-year age difference with Giannis is a significant factor for me.Giannis has been a shining example of health, but you wonder how long that can last.
He has been an iron man, but he has more mileage on his body and plays in a very physical style. So, I’m curious how Giannis will age at 33, 34, and 35. Buha moved on.
Buha believes Dončić has long-term potential and would prefer him over Antetokounmpo. Buha believes Dončić is a better long-term option than Antetokounmpo, who is currently under a five-year contract worth $228,200,420 with the Bucks.
“I agree with the premise. I believe Giannis is doing better right now. So, if you want to look at it from that perspective and make that trade, I understand.
However, I would rather bet on Luka’s long-term upside and a longer time horizon. Because I believe Luka will age well, assuming he takes his conditioning and weight more seriously moving forward,” he said.
The insider concluded by saying that teaming them up would be ideal, but Giannis will be 31, which changes the timeline slightly.
