The Dallas Mavericks stunned the NBA world by trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Many, including former players, are still struggling to grasp the decision. During TNT’s broadcast of the NBA All-Star Game, Jalen Rose openly expressed his frustration with the Mavericks’ choice to trade Doncic and how they handled the situation. Rose was particularly upset by how the Mavericks leaked negative information about Doncic both before and after the trade. “Typically, when a player is about to be traded, negative character traits are shared publicly,” Rose commented. “I don’t like how this happened with Luka both prior to and after the trade.”

Another point of contention for Rose is that the Mavericks traded a player capable of being a key contributor to a championship team for a return featuring Anthony Davis, who is only suited to be the second-best player on a title contender. “Is he in the best physical shape? No,” Rose said about Doncic. “Does he have some personal issues that need attention as a 25-year-old? Yes. But I have great respect for Anthony Davis, yet he was the second-best player on a championship team when Luka led his team to the finals last year. He’s been All-NBA five times—he is the best player on a championship team.” Rose also speculates that the Mavericks were unwilling to offer Doncic a super-max contract extension. If that’s the case, Rose believes the ownership group should sell the team. “It feels like they didn’t want to pay Luka. So, if you won’t pay him for what he’s already achieved, then just sell the team. That’s how I see it,” Rose said. “If you’re not going to pay someone who has done what he’s done, I don’t know where the money’s going to come from.”

How this trade will impact the Lakers and Mavericks is still uncertain. However, Los Angeles is thrilled about the prospect of adding a generational talent like Doncic, even after LeBron James retires. Meanwhile, Dallas has a limited window with Kyrie Irving and Davis, but the team remains optimistic about its future prospects.