Local Hour: Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis Trade Reaction

Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode Summary: Local Hour: Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis Trade Reaction Release Date: February 3, 2025

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1. Introduction to the Historic NBA Trade

In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, Mike Ryan, and Roy Bellamy delve into the seismic NBA trade that has rocked the sports world: the Los Angeles Lakers trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic, orchestrated through a three-team deal. This trade, which occurred amidst the Super Bowl week, has been labeled by many as one of the worst in NBA history.

2. Hosts’ Initial Reactions and Shock

The hosts express their disbelief and astonishment at the trade, emphasizing its unexpected nature and the timing coinciding with other major sports events.

Mike Ryan [03:37]: "This is the holy grail okay. And the only kind of thing that can knock off Kansas City Chiefs 3 peat Super Bowl."

Stugotz [03:30]: "Trade in the NBA."

Dan Le Batard [34:58]: "Made me call him from the car so he could talk about it. And he was. I was like, huh, that's crazy, huh? And he was just like, blabbering on."

3. Analyzing Anthony Davis’s Performance and Value

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Anthony Davis’s recent performance, including his game attendance and shooting efficiency. The hosts critique how Davis has been perceived in recent seasons, despite his undeniable talent.

Mike Ryan [05:51]: "He's been available twice."

Roy Bellamy [06:06]: "Look at what you're like historically, fitness wise."

Stugotz [06:33]: "He’s been mocking about the fact that in the last four years, he's only played 76 or 60 games once."

4. Luka Doncic: Performance, Potential, and Concerns

The conversation shifts to Luka Doncic, assessing his current performance, potential, and the concerns surrounding his conditioning and health.

Mike Ryan [05:56]: "But he's also shot 26% from 3 since the bubble. Like, that's crazy. That's worse than the league."

Roy Bellamy [15:58]: "You're in a rush. That kind of helps. It does. Yeah. No, it does."

5. Critique of Mavericks GM Nico Harrison’s Decision

A contentious point is the Mavericks General Manager, Nico Harrison’s rationale for making the trade. The hosts question his decision-making process, suggesting potential incompetence or undisclosed motives.

Mike Ryan [10:46]: "Has anyone stopped to think as to why the Mavericks would do this deal? Nico Harrison knew he would be a punchline after making this deal."

Roy Bellamy [16:20]: "How do I form the argument on why Nico Harrison had to do it that way? ... there's something else going on here."

6. Potential Motives Behind the Trade

Speculations arise about underlying reasons for this trade beyond surface-level performance metrics. The hosts consider possibilities like internal conflicts, strategic missteps, or external pressures influencing Harrison’s decisions.

Mike Ryan [14:30]: "Maybe they wanted Luka in LA. 25-year-old Luka Doncic in LA with the Lakers are relevant for the next 15 years."

Roy Bellamy [20:29]: "Can it be? What does he know about Luca that we don't?"

7. Speculations on the Future NBA Landscape

The trade’s implications extend beyond the immediate transaction, potentially reshaping team dynamics and the balance of power within the NBA. The hosts discuss how this might influence future trades and player movements.

Mike Ryan [16:04]: "Everyone in league circles think that this is basically the move before the move. And signs are pointing to LeBron going to Golden State."

Roy Bellamy [25:23]: "Do you think Minnesota says Anthony Edwards?"

8. Broader Implications on NBA Trade Dynamics

The trade is viewed as a turning point in NBA trade strategies, highlighting a shift towards more aggressive and high-stakes deals. The hosts debate how this might affect team-building approaches and the valuation of star players.

Mike Ryan [27:43]: "In a league where Gobert goes for five first-round picks and the Lakers traded Davis for three first-round picks and good players... This will always bring a halt."

Stugotz [20:25]: "Why can't it be? What does he know about Luca that we don't?"

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the unprecedented nature of the trade, its immediate fallout, and the lingering questions surrounding its execution. They acknowledge the uncertainty it introduces into the NBA landscape and express anticipation for upcoming developments.

Dan Le Batard [29:58]: "And in this way, I do believe Anthony Davis is getting slandered here and has been for a while."

Mike Ryan [34:03]: "There's something else that is worse than we know."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mike Ryan [03:37]: "This is the holy grail okay..."
• Stugotz [03:30]: "Trade in the NBA."
• Mike Ryan [05:51]: "He's been available twice."
• Mike Ryan [05:56]: "But he's also shot 26% from 3 since the bubble."
• Mike Ryan [10:46]: "Has anyone stopped to think as to why the Mavericks would do this deal?"
• Mike Ryan [14:30]: "Maybe they wanted Luka in LA..."
• Mike Ryan [16:04]: "Everyone in league circles think that this is basically the move before the move..."
• Mike Ryan [27:43]: "In a league where Gobert goes for five first-round picks..."
• Dan Le Batard [29:58]: "And in this way, I do believe Anthony Davis is getting slandered here..."

Closing Remarks

This episode provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of one of the most controversial trades in NBA history. The hosts engage in a lively debate, dissecting every facet of the Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis trade, offering listeners a deep dive into its complexities and potential ramifications.

Transcript

[Dan LeBatard]

You're listening to Giraffe Kings network. Yeah, sure thing. Hey, you sold that car yet?

[Stugotz]

Yeah, sold it to Carvana.

[Dan LeBatard]

Oh, I thought you were selling to that guy.

[Stugotz]

The guy who wanted to pay me in foreign currency. No interest over 36 months.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, no.

[Stugotz]

Carvana gave me an offer in minutes, picked it up and paid me on the spot. It was so convenient.

[Mike Ryan]

Just like that. Yep.

[Dan LeBatard]

No hassle?

[Mike Ryan]

None.

[Dan LeBatard]

That is super convenient. Sell your car to Carvana and swap. Hassle for convenience. Pickup fees may apply.

[Stugotz]

You know that sound? It's the sound of money hitting your Venmo account. A friend paying you back.

[Mike Ryan]

Or maybe it's getting cash back from.

[Stugotz]

Your favorite business when you pay with.

[Mike Ryan]

The Venmo debit card.

[Roy Bellamy]

Or it's realizing you can pay with.

[Stugotz]

Venmo at checkout at thousands of brands.

[Roy Bellamy]

Now there are so many more ways.

[Mike Ryan]

To answer the question.

[Stugotz]

What's your Venmo?

[Roy Bellamy]

Download Venmo.

[Mike Ryan]

Today.

[Stugotz]

The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp Bank N.A.

[Mike Ryan]

Pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated.

[Roy Bellamy]

DOSH cashback terms apply.

[Mike Ryan]

Luka Doncic, Luka Doncic, Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, Luca doncic.

[Stugotz]

Anthony Davis, LeBron James, doncic.

[Mike Ryan]

Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Luca doncic, Anthony LeBron James, Luca doncIC, Anthony David Levine, Luca Donche, James Anthony Luca Donchic, LeBron.

[Roy Bellamy]

James, Anthony Davis, Luca Doncic, LeBron James.

[Mike Ryan]

Doncic, LeBron James, Luca Donches, Anthony Davis.

[Stugotz]

LeBron James, Jaron Fox Anthony Davis, LeBron James, doncic, Anthony Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Luca Doncic, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Luca.

[Mike Ryan]

Doncic, Anthony Davis, Luca Doncic, Cameron herter, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Luca Doncic, Anthony.

[Roy Bellamy]

Davis, Kevin Herder, LeBron James, Zach Levine.

[Stugotz]

Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Kevin Herder. Boobs at the Grammys.

[Mike Ryan]

Anthony Davis, James, Luca Doncic, LeBron James.

[Stugotz]

At the Grammys.

[Mike Ryan]

Luca Doncic, Tiffany Davis, Luca Donchic, Luca Donchic. Tariffs Luca Doncic, Luca Doncic, Mo Bamba Luca Doncic, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Luca Donchic, LeBron James.

[Stugotz]

Boobs at the Grammys Anthony Tony D'Angelo.

[Mike Ryan]

Luca Doncic, Anthony Davis, Doncic, Duke UNC, LeBron James, Luca Donchic, Jaden Smith's house Luca Anthony Davis.

[Roy Bellamy]

Miami Men's basketball one.

[Mike Ryan]

This is the Dan Levator show with the ST Podcast.

[Roy Bellamy]

We're just receiving word of a massive.

[Stugotz]

Trade in the NBA.

[Mike Ryan]

The Lakers have traded Anthony Davis to.

[Stugotz]

The Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic in a three team deal.

[Mike Ryan]

This is the holy grail okay. And the only kind of thing that can knock off Kansas City Chiefs 3 peat Super Bowl. Baseball used to be able to do this. Baseball cannot do this. Baseball used to own the transaction.

[Stugotz]

Yeah.

[Mike Ryan]

The transaction now belongs to basketball. And I hadn't realized until this trade. Oh, holy God. We're going into super bowl week and the trade deadline is at the same time. That hasn't happened before. It's because the regular season is longer. Is that why that's happening? Like, these two things don't happen at the same time, and we're going to have them happening at the same time. And it starts with the reason this is the Holy Grail, Stugach, isn't just that it's stars and shocking. Okay? Because that. That would make it enough to be like, oh, my God, everyone in sports is going to be clucking about this. But it's also these two things that you don't get to have all the time. Possible malpractice. Like where we can all go to the Dallas gm, who many of us learned his name, like, whoa, is that. Is that just straight incompetence? So there's that.

[Stugotz]

Right?

[Mike Ryan]

And then this is what makes it the Holy Grail right here. What I'm about to say. Fishy, fishy, fishy. When I throw fishy in the mix, people love fishy. Oh, my God. So it's not just stars. Shocking. What do you mean Luke is being traded? Oh, look, I'm used to athlete divas, so I get. Wait a minute. Just out of shape and won't play defense. No, you give him the supermax idiot. He's one of the most historic players ever. He's 25 years old. This player never gets traded. And when I walk into the room today and I'm like, give me worst trades in basketball history. Everyone's got an opinion. And it's immediately, this. This is the worst trade in NBA history. Everyone's got that opinion. Except for Charles Barkley. We'll get to him in a second. But man, oh, man, to see the last 15 years transact into this, where you realize that the damage done on LeBron James is. Good Lord, do we make Anthony Davis a peasant for serving him the last few years? That's a great player that everyone mocks today. Like, that player is usually not available at 32 years old unless he's disgruntled.

[Stugotz]

He's been available twice.

[Mike Ryan]

I know, but I'm saying, when you.

[Roy Bellamy]

Look at what you're like historically, fitness wise.

[Mike Ryan]

Well, that's the thing, right?

[Stugotz]

Yeah.

[Mike Ryan]

Everyone's mocking him about the fact that in the last four years, he's only played 76 or 60 games once. And it was last year.

[Stugotz]

Right.

[Mike Ryan]

But he's also shot 26% from 3 since the bubble. Like, that's crazy. That's worse than the league. Stuff. Like, that's a lot worse than Russell Westbrook, but people are devaluing what that player is. And I got a bunch of sound. I want to play for you here, but what other elements do I need to put in this story for it to be the seismic thing that shakes the super bowl and now leads us into the trade deadline? And what was already, for me, used to be a miserable week because it was just the Super Bowl. But you throw the trade deadline.

[Stugotz]

Oh, wow. Yeah. Little bonus little gravy on top. How about that? The NBA wins a weekend. I mean, although they would not have won that weekend if Titans Jags played yesterday. I am telling you, if we had a single NFL game to talk about, I'm not certain we lead with this NBA trade.

[Mike Ryan]

AFC, whatever. NFC 73, AFC 65. Okay, we all agree. Time to get rid of all the exhibitions.

[Stugotz]

It was a tug of war.

[Dan LeBatard]

I love the Pro bowl games.

[Mike Ryan]

Really get back.

[Dan LeBatard]

It's fun. It's like when you get a good, like, television crossover episode, you're like, oh, look, it's Baker Mayfield and Jackson, Smith and Jigba like, hanging out like they're friends.

[Roy Bellamy]

He throws dirt.

[Dan LeBatard]

He's throwing interceptions, he's throwing touchdowns. It's great. I love it.

[Roy Bellamy]

I. I was watching the Clash at Bowman Gray.

[Mike Ryan]

We all woke up to this. Yes. Or something.

[Roy Bellamy]

No, I was. I was out. And then I was. I said the same thing that everybody did. Like, did Shams get hacked? And then four minutes later, he's like, no, this is real. And I was texting other NBA insiders asking if Shams got hacked, and they were saying like, no, we're here. And it's. It's real.

[Stugotz]

Yes, this is real. He tweeted. That rarely happens.

[Roy Bellamy]

Remember when the Miami Heat were like, shams doesn't know what he's talking about. And even this trade was so absurd that even I doubted the dude that once broke Donald Trump had Covid.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, Shams doesn't get very much wrong. And I'd like to go through stugat some of what was happening here, because before we get to Nico Harrison, put it on the poll at LeBatard show. Did you know Nico Harrison was the Mavs GM before he realized his incompetence? Because everyone is looking at this as an actor of sheer incompetence to only offer a generational player like Stan Van Gundy says, best offensive player ever, Stu. Guys, this player is never available at this age by trade to have the Mavs show you, oh, Mark Cuban's not running things anymore. He's not the voice on this. You're not seeing him in public anymore. Oh, he's out. He owns 27% of the team, but there it is. They didn't want to pay him. The supermax. And we will say, well out of shape or. And this, this, this part stugat is interesting. The Miami Heat are now loading up for 2026, and those deals aren't made a year from now. Like, those deals get made back channels. However it is that you make those deals on. Okay, we're going to build a team around Luca in 2026, right? Like Wink, wink. However it is that that stuff happens in the corridors. Like whatever it is that you think Pat Riley is doing right now is not just about Jimmy Butler. Okay. It's about what do we have in 2026? And you can imagine the movement all around that and everyone asking, how does that player go to the Lakers? Right? Look, that's ex. That's also extra fishy as you have LeBron James saying he didn't know anything. And nobody believes that. No, nobody. There's just nobody that could be. It must be very frustrating if it were factual for LeBron James. If it were factual that he didn't actually know anything.

[Stugotz]

He knew that.

[Mike Ryan]

What I got.

[Stugotz]

Yeah.

[Mike Ryan]

Yes. No one disagrees with you. I'm just saying how frustrating it must be to like. Because he went on the Internet and he's putting out clown tweets and calling people liars because it's being reported that he was at dinner and he knew nothing about this.

[Roy Bellamy]

Well, there was that video from, I think it was last week where reporters were strangely asking Anthony Davis about his Lakers legacy. And Anthony Davis is like, you guys trading me? And someone goes check your phone at the very end of it. So look, the Mavericks approached the Lakers, which I think is like the most insane part about all of this. Rob Pelinka reportedly was like, are you, are you me right now?

[Stugotz]

Has anyone stopped to think as to why the Mavericks would do this deal? Nico Harrison knew he would be a punchline after making this deal. He knew that he was giving up a 25 year old generational player who took him to the NBA Finals. But why did he give him up? Why did he decide to choose to Build around Kyrie Irving instead of Luca.

[Mike Ryan]

Think about that for a second gun. Everyone in this. Do you realize how rare it is for America as one Sports fans, on behalf of. We care about the transaction. For us to shout at the sky, Dallas, you fools. All of us together. A song into the sky. No. Mark Cuban runs for the shadows. He's been in the lights for how long? I don't want anything to do with this, whoever it is that's running the Mavericks now. And go look at, look, look at some of the past there, because you've got a lot of this hiding in the shadows in ownership doesn't want to be associated with that gets the supermax. So they have to get rid of it. But how do you do that? How do I form the argument? Because I'm going to try. How do I form the argument on why it is that Nico Harrison had to do it that way? As everyone says, why would you not shop him and just go all around the league? Because you get all. But everyone in the league, let's name them. Jokic, Wembanyama, Sheikh, Gilgames, Alexander. Players you wouldn't trade for Luka Doncic. Every other team in the league is in play for this player, correct?

[Stugotz]

Yeah, I'm guessing. I mean, do the Celtics trade Jason Tatum?

[Mike Ryan]

I think so. I think so, yes.

[Roy Bellamy]

You think, you think Boston would be into getting like a white superstar?

[Stugotz]

Yeah, I think Boston would be into that.

[Mike Ryan]

Ten years of a white superstar. Because the other thing, Boston also likes.

[Stugotz]

Guys who show up every night. I mean, you're sitting here slamming Anthony Davis 70 games one time, last seven years. I think it is for Anthony Davis 60 twice in the last nine years or something like that. Luca doesn't play that much either. I mean, when's the last time you've seen Luke on a basketball court?

[Roy Bellamy]

Sue, I know you're asking a question, but Finals people have had 48 hours to ask themselves, why, why would Dallas do this? And Tim McMahon is reporting stuff. There's stuff about Luca's conditioning. I mean, Luca puts out that statement, doesn't thank the Dallas front office at all. Clearly, there was a big schism between the two. But I think I was kind of introduced to Nico Harrison. I learned as someone that's really watching the NBA all that much during the regular season anymore, who is running the Dallas Mavericks? But for me, what really resonated is, well, who no longer is running the Dallas Mavericks anymore? To your Mark Cuban point, like, this is very clearly something that would have never happened.

[Mike Ryan]

Never. Well, Mark Cuban has been Asked before. Like, he's been asked straight up of his marriage, which was more likely. You don't have Luka Doncic on the Mavericks or you get divorced. And he's like, I'm going to court to get my marriage papers. That will never happen. On my watch, when I say fishy, it stretches like, Mark Cuban got out. And we're all like, why would he get out? He loves that thing. Why would he get out? Because he thought value was highest. As he's talking now about buying Fox. Like, how do I get the money to buy Fox? Because I started with, with broadcast properties and I, you know, I've used up what I, what I love about basketball. It was weird to have this happen anywhere around Mark Cuban's watch. I'm guessing he's ashamed that he owns 27% of that, of that having happened because he no longer controls that team. And he told us he would. He did. Say what? In the original transaction, he said he'd still be running the Mavericks, and he clearly is not. But let's, let's discuss for a second. What are you guys hearing or reading on the other side of this? Just allow me for a moment to indulge the idea that Nico Harrison isn't a complete idiot.

[Stugotz]

Okay?

[Mike Ryan]

Okay.

[Stugotz]

Right.

[Mike Ryan]

Even as I understand all of sports is shouting, how could you? Whatever. Like, I just can't believe how unison this is, that we can't, we can't agree on anything in this country except this.

[Stugotz]

Nico Harris is an idiot.

[Mike Ryan]

It's an idiot.

[Roy Bellamy]

United.

[Dan LeBatard]

Even if you, even if you take everything he's saying at face value and like, Luca does have serious conditioning issues and there's going to be health issues there, you could still get more for Luka Doncic. So, like, yeah, even if everything he's saying is true, why did you do it this way?

[Mike Ryan]

In a league where Gobert goes for five first round picks and in a league where the Lakers got Anthony Davis for three first round picks and three good players, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and. And Brandon Ingram, so they got everything. This will always bring a halt. And of course, if what I'm telling you is so, if the asset is, I've got a historic international Global icon, superstar, 25 years old, you can have 10 years of him. It's a historic player. Stan Van Gun, he says the best offensive player that there is ever, that there. I know you could disagree with that. Okay, you could disagree and many people would. But I'm just saying, you're talking about somebody who's in his prime and 25. The last time this became available, it was LeBron. LeBron says this is his favorite teammate ever. Like, this is his favorite player to watch ever, is what he says. And now we can have the discussion about whether he's the best teammate LeBron James has ever had. I won't insult Mike Ryan there.

[Stugotz]

Well, he's not.

[Roy Bellamy]

Well, no, because he's going to be teammates with Steph Curry soon, right?

[Mike Ryan]

Or on the Knicks. We're going to have that conversation too, aren't we?

[Roy Bellamy]

Everyone in that is plugged into league circles think that this is basically the move before the move. And signs are pointing to LeBron going to Golden State. And it appears that Jimmy Butler's also playing ball with that by saying, I'm not going to sign an extension with Golden State, as he's apparently just willing to sign an extension with Phoenix.

[Dan LeBatard]

His best teammate ever is obviously Bronnie. But we could talk about second best, right?

[Stugotz]

Dallas should have pushed it. They should have said, we want Bronnie back.

[Mike Ryan]

Indulge me for a second as I ask you this question, because why does it have to just.

[Stugotz]

I like that question.

[Mike Ryan]

Why does it have to just be Lakers if we're all assuming you could have done better than just Anthony Davis and a first round pick. When Paul George goes for however many first round picks, what was it, six first round picks? Is it possible that because you know that the moment Luca knows that you're doing this, that you're robbing him of $100 million, he can no longer get the supermax? Nico Harrison was in front of people saying yesterday, he probably doesn't want to talk to me because that he was just cost $100 million by a franchise when it comes to loyalty in sports. And Kevin Durant was saying this yesterday. He was saying, man, you guys required of us. But when it comes to the teams that's cold like that, that guy had a relationship with that, that team, and you blindside him in the age of power like you, and you take 100 million from him. So indulge me. He can't have the information, guys knowing this. He cannot have people knowing that Luca is available a year and a half out, because then the dealing will start right then for how it is that Miami gets into the mix, other suitors get into the mix, and then it becomes a business decision that Luke is making instead of one that Dallas is making. And there is the fight, like there's the fight of 15 years of this stuff where the player power, they just stripped him of it at the End he had a relationship. Oh, you're not going to do Dame Lillard to us. We're not going to wait for you to become a free agent or fat and we're not going to let you make a mess of this. There has to be some logical reason why Nico Harrison would choose this route, because if there isn't, it's malpractice.

[Roy Bellamy]

Well, he said defense wins championships. Yep, that was part of his reasoning. I could see how. Well, no, I can't. They're not better without Luka, but they're not a bad team.

[Stugotz]

They made it to the finals last.

[Roy Bellamy]

Year even with this trade. Like they. I like their whole plan of, hey, let's just get LeBron's co stars maybe a couple years after their prime and see what kind of run that we can go on. But Dallas is still going to be.

[Dan LeBatard]

Competitive, but offensively they've gotten worse.

[Roy Bellamy]

No doubt. They just lost Luka Doncic.

[Dan LeBatard]

They made it to the finals because Luka Doncic was really good.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay, but one of, one of the things that exasperates me, you guys tell me if you guys have been thinking or hearing about this at all, because I get enticed and delighted by the idea of LeBron and Luka playing together as well. Worst defensive team in the league as soon as he steps on the court without Anthony Davis. Are you kidding me? Are you? Like they're talking about Vuceviches and jerk itches and, and, and who And Valencias and what they need to get is Robert Williams because that is going to be with J.J. redick as coach. Like Caruso's not there anymore. They don't have an ability to guard anybody. And now they just added the worst defensive player in the league. Nobody cares about this because it's just stars. Noise, intrigue, fishy, malpractice. But here is Charles Barkley and I happen to agree with him. If Anthony Davis plays, he's really good and he's somebody that's going to make. He'll make the Mavericks better than the Rockets. OkC, they're my favorite to win this thing, but man, the Dallas Mavericks, they might have just became the second best team in the Western Conference because the jury is still out. I think Denver needs to make a trade because they need to get some bench help. The Rockets are so young. I'm not going to take the Rockets beating the Mavs in a seven game series. The Memphis Grizzlies, I like their team, but man, Dallas, this, this is going to be a very fun thing. He's the only one saying that, right?

[Stugotz]

I think so, yeah. That Dallas. He's not saying they got the better end of the trade, but for the now, for the immediate future, he's saying Dallas has a legitimate shot of getting back to the NBA Finals.

[Mike Ryan]

It really can't be. Ne. Nico Harrison's an idiot right there.

[Roy Bellamy]

Sure it can.

[Stugotz]

Well, why not?

[Dan LeBatard]

Why can't it be?

[Stugotz]

Can it be? What does he know about Luca that we don't?

[Roy Bellamy]

You've never.

[Stugotz]

I know that's the weight stuff, and there are reports, but it's. It doesn't make sense. There's got to be more that they know about Luca. That's what I was saying before. Ask yourself why this guy who knows he's going to be ridiculed today in the entire week, right? But his job on the line, essentially his reputation. Why would he want to trade Luka Donkic? Think about that.

[Roy Bellamy]

You've never seen new leadership and known right away that they're making bad decisions and the entire country's gonna fall apart. I mean, the league.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah, sure thing. Hey, you sold that car yet?

[Stugotz]

Yeah, sold it to Carvana.

[Dan LeBatard]

Oh, I thought you were selling to that guy.

[Stugotz]

The guy who wanted to pay me in foreign currency, no interest over 36 months.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, no.

[Stugotz]

Carvana gave me an offer in minutes, picked it up, and paid me on the spot. It was so convenient.

[Dan LeBatard]

Just like that?

[Stugotz]

Yep.

[Dan LeBatard]

No hassle.

[Mike Ryan]

None.

[Dan LeBatard]

That is super convenient. Sell your car to Carvana and swap. Hassle for convenience. Pickup fees may apply.

[Roy Bellamy]

Hey, folks, it's Mike Ryan. It is big game week, and I've got just the thing to make your big game time. A Miller Time. From fireside conversations to football Sundays, winter means more moments with the coolest people in your life. Make these moments even better with Miller Lite, the great tasting light beer for people who love beer. A new year is a perfect time for friends, family, and great tasting light beer. Tastes like Miller Time. Miller Lite is brewed for taste. It hits different than other light beers. When you're hosting your ultimate game day party, why don't you bring out a beautiful silver platter of that amazing white can and know you will make everybody there happy. Because Miller Lite is the original light beer since 1975 and still the very best one. Miller Lite. Great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell. Beer tastes like Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.

[Dan LeBatard]

The Dan LeBatard show with Stu Gotz is sponsored by BetterHelp. We talk a lot about red flags, the warning signs that tell us to stay away from toxic relationships. But what if we spent more time looking for green flags? You know, the signs that a relationship is healthy, supportive, and worth investing in. So what are some green flags to look out for? Good communication, emotional safety, mutual respect, and someone who genuinely listens to you. Whether it's a romantic partner, a friend, or even a coworker. Recognizing these positive traits can help you build relationships that will truly love you back. And if you're not sure how to spot them or even how to practice them yourself, therapy can help. Therapy can teach you positive coping skills, how to set boundaries, and how to show up as the best version of yourself. BetterHelp is accessible, affordable, and convenient. With over 30,000 licensed therapists and a fully online platform, you can find the right match for you. Plus, you can switch therapists anytime at no extra cost. So why not invest in the relationship that matters most, starting with yourself? Discover your relationship green flags with better help. Visit betterhelp.com DLB today to get 10% off your first month. That's BetterHelp. H E L p.com DLB Dan LeBatard.

[Mike Ryan]

Sports stugats more sports this is the Dan LeBatar show with the Stugats. I will have this conversation with Jessica and Mike because I just don't get to believe in the modern age that the Internet gets to be right. Howling in unison on a single thing. United on.

[Roy Bellamy]

It's not the Internet.

[Dan LeBatard]

Yeah, it's like, it's like low. It's like all the NBA reporters.

[Mike Ryan]

I'm just saying the Internet.

[Roy Bellamy]

No, no, I'm saying census can be right a majority of the time, not.

[Dan LeBatard]

Just reading, like NBA meme reactions.

[Roy Bellamy]

It's not legion hoops here.

[Mike Ryan]

I'm saying every Sentel. Everybody. I'm saying everybody. When I say the Internet, I mean all of us. That's what I mean.

[Roy Bellamy]

That usually when it's like that overwhelming. I haven't done the breakdown on majority consensus, but usually if in a time where it's hard to get consensus, usually that. That majority is right.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay, so if that's the case, you were the only person in the world saying Wemby was going to be a bust. There was consensus on the other side of basketball from the Internet yelling at you that Wemby was not going to be a bust. And you're. You were Relying on. He's going to break. And now De'Aaron Fox is going to be better than he's ever been.

[Roy Bellamy]

Yeah. But I was also saying Wemby's unfair, so. Well, I staked out every take.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay.

[Roy Bellamy]

And he is super unfair. And he's ruined the league.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah.

[Roy Bellamy]

And we all know this now.

[Mike Ryan]

Who are the players? Dugouts that Dallas could have called and they're untouchable. The answer is no. You go to Denver. The answer is no.

[Roy Bellamy]

Minnesota, probably. Do you think Minnesota says Anthony Edwards?

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, they've got.

[Stugotz]

They say no.

[Mike Ryan]

They've got ownership issues as well. They say no. You think?

[Stugotz]

I think they stay with Edwards. Yeah.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay. Because Anthony Edwards, offensively, Anthony Edwards is not as good a player as Luca is. Like, that's not.

[Stugotz]

He's there every night, though. I mean, he is. He plays every night.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay.

[Stugotz]

Guy loves basketball. Guys in shape.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay. Because. But Minnesota fell back now that they don't have Cat anymore, and he's got to take a bunch of threes and he's pretty unhappy there as he sees them slide behind the others. So I'm saying that maybe it's Giannis. Maybe Giannis, but I'm really not sure.

[Stugotz]

Oh, I think the Bucks say no.

[Mike Ryan]

You would have a.

[Stugotz]

Who says no? Man, I've been waiting for this game for 20 years.

[Mike Ryan]

But Stugats, everybody was playing it this weekend.

[Stugotz]

I know. I think San Antonio. Antonio says no, obviously. Right.

[Mike Ryan]

But therefore, what my point is, the bidding war is between 27 teams. What do you want? Yes, of course. We got a shortcut to the finals if we have one guy.

[Roy Bellamy]

You were saying that you have to do this in the shadows because you don't want it to be known. Because then if it's known by Luca, he gets to exact power over the situation. No, I don't think so. I don't think so. He has to play for another full season after this for that team. So his threat of. I'm not going to extend with you. Okay. If I'm a contender. I do that right now. Especially say this is a scenario in which Los Angeles keeps LeBron James. He's 40 years old. I got a. Basically a one season window to make this work. It's only going to cost me Anthony Davis and a first round pick. I imagine if you sound the Klaxon and let everybody know, you're probably doing your franchise a disservice by keeping this as covert as you did and only reaching out to reportedly two teams.

[Mike Ryan]

Can you tell me more about the Klaxon, please? And the sounding of the klaxon, because I'm not familiar with this as an instrument, it's the first I'm hearing of it.

[Roy Bellamy]

He was an old guard for the Warriors.

[Mike Ryan]

The thing that I'm asking you because, okay, I'll grant you, consensus is totally right. Nico Harrison is just a fool. He doesn't know how to do his job. He just bumbled and accidentally traded an asset. The job is to get maximum value for the job. The job is to get maximum valuable value out of your assets.

[Stugotz]

According to Charles, he did.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay, so, so, so here's what I'm talking about.

[Roy Bellamy]

Consensus. It's easy. Like, they're going to be outliers and they're going to be far more memorable because you're going to be able to say, well, everyone thought so and so was going to be a bust. But it ended up being a good pick. And I remember it because it was against the odds. If you've ever played in a fantasy league and yet add a new member and everyone knows this guy's a sucker. He's going to make terrible trades. That person usually sucks in your fantasy league. It's just, I'm telling you, it hits like 99% of the time, you know, the sucker in your fantasy league the second he makes his first move.

[Mike Ryan]

Okay, and so my question to you is, what would make this person whose job it is the top of a sports organization to maximize asset value, call only one person to not create a leveraging negotiation in any way? What would be such a strong power that would make this person risk the foolishness of this and just the incompetence of it? Becoming public where we all can see that is not the correct way to do that. If not for he's out there as a mask for the organization on whatever it is here that is worse than we know, which is every basketball person I've reached out to this weekend, and a lot of them who know things, they're like, that doesn't make any sense. There's something else going on here. Like, there has to be something else before the explanation and after the explanation. What would be the explanation for why Nico Harrison would do this? Because I think you have to keep it quiet. Becomes such a strong impulse that it's the only way we get to the shock and awe of. Wait a minute. In the information age, you just surprised us with a monster where we're questioning shams his credibility.

[Dan LeBatard]

I mean, it's possible that there's stuff that hasn't been reported yet, but I don't think we can, like, jump to those conclusions without knowing any of that. All we have right now is his explanation for it and like, a lot of the analysis on it, which, yeah, like, Anthony Davis is a better player than I think people are giving him credit for, and he's played a lot more games than I think he's getting credit for over the last three seasons.

[Roy Bellamy]

But.

[Dan LeBatard]

And Luka Doncic is obviously a amazing top five player in the league, but it still doesn't really make a lot of sense that it happened now. And in this way, I do believe.

[Mike Ryan]

Anthony Davis is getting slandered here and has been for a while. And it's because of the reason you guys say, which is that 7 foot body doesn't hold up. It starts to break all over the place. Be tougher, be stronger. Luca doesn't play that much either. And, and he's. He's 25. And the, the out of shape thing. Right. We're. We're at the point that we all understand that James Harden gets in and out of shape. However it is that he feels if he's feeling the joy of an employer. Right. Pay me my maximum money, make me comfortable. I'm guessing that Luca was very comfortable in Dallas.

[Stugotz]

Of course he was comfortable in Dallas. He never had to play. And no one said anything.

[Mike Ryan]

I mean, can I, Can I. James.

[Stugotz]

Harden having a pretty good year, by the way.

[Mike Ryan]

Yes. Can I ask you guys this about. I don' think people care about the humanity in this. But picking up Luca's life overnight on a weekend, when he's got a relationship with a city, when he's from another country, when he came here as a teenager and that city embraced him, and it's what he knows of America embracing him. And he likes it there in the middle of the night to snatch him out of that and surprise him and to not know it's coming from an employer or anywhere else, you would understand why that would wound someone. No. And be discombobulating for whatever the next few weeks of his life are going to be.

[Roy Bellamy]

Yes. No matter the amount of money that they have. I understand it. He's going to be fine. They have their transition plan. He's one of the biggest stars in the league, and he's going to a marquee franchise. I guess he was like, damn, that hurt. I'm going where? All right. Sweet.

[Stugotz]

All right, LeBron.

[Roy Bellamy]

All right. I get to be more marketable in Los Angeles than I could ever be as a Dallas Maverick. I'm going to be the face of the league over here. I may actually hop on that treadmill now.

[Stugotz]

Dan, are you. Are you trying to say, are you trying to take us to a place? Because you seem to be confused as to why this happened. How it could happen, how it could happen so silently. Are you headed down a place where the NBA forced a trade? Adam Silver. You're talking about the powers that could make this happen. Maybe they wanted Luka in LA. 25 year old Luka Donkic in LA with LeBron James and the Lakers are relevant for the next 15 years. You're gonna throw me out?

[Mike Ryan]

Time to throw away the journalistic credibility and get reckless. Here is something we like to call reckless speculation.

[Stugotz]

I'm good, you're good, we're good.

[Mike Ryan]

I think I need to make you good on that one because. No, I'm reckless to begin with. I'm not going to do that. And this is a big sloppy week for Stu Gats and we've gotten it off to the wrong start. I gotta be honest. Because God bless football is the number one. It's the number one podcast football podcast in America.

[Stugotz]

Yes, it is.

[Mike Ryan]

And it's headed to the Super Bowl. Billy Gill has a stomach ailment. He. Bad time for a stomach ailment.

[Stugotz]

The worst.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah. And everyone, I see suitcases and there's rain outside and people are like, our company is now in full force headed to the Super Bowl. Stug is going to head out shortly.

[Stugotz]

Yeah.

[Roy Bellamy]

You say it's a bad time. Most people would ask, is there ever a good time for a stomach virus? But if there is, I'd say a couple of days before I gorge on super bowl food.

[Stugotz]

Right.

[Roy Bellamy]

It's actually probably a pretty good time. Clear out your system.

[Stugotz]

Get it out.

[Roy Bellamy]

Nice little base layer. I have seven days to recover before I just shock my system with garbage.

[Dan LeBatard]

Does he have norovirus?

[Stugotz]

I have no idea.

[Dan LeBatard]

It's going around.

[Stugotz]

Billy Ill.

[Mike Ryan]

This is not a good time for any of this. Yes, we think Billy. I think that's just a HIPAA violation. I think we've just. Regardless, he's hurting right now and he's trying to get to the, to the super bowl and this gets in the way.

[Stugotz]

Toilet bowl.

[Roy Bellamy]

Play on. Sorry.

[Mike Ryan]

You guys would agree with me that there are very few stories in sports that would have these many elements that it has to happen in basketball. It has to be the transact. Has to involve stars. It has to have fishiness and malpractice in it for it to be something that knocks the super bowl out of the way and shocking sports fans. And stugats. This part, it's yes to me. To me, it matters. Do you know how hard it is to shock us in the information age with information like, do you know how hard it is for something like this not to be rumored, talked about in any way, whispered in any corner where there is power?

[Stugotz]

It came out of nowhere. Like, I woke up that morning, I was stunned by it.

[Roy Bellamy]

Oh, it was like crack being able to break that news to people. Oh, dude, right? Oh, it was the best.

[Stugotz]

Who didn't know yet.

[Roy Bellamy]

It's the best.

[Dan LeBatard]

Like the newsroom meme. I delivered the news. They're like, mike, we're drunk. We don't care.

[Roy Bellamy]

I was shocked because it happened very late at night, but I was still awake. And then I woke up the next morning, did my routine, took my supplements, drank my coffee, and then I opened up the Internet. And then 15 minutes after I woke up, I was reminded that it wasn't a fever drainage, that it actually happened. And I got to relive it all over again. And as people on the west coast were waking up, I got to deliver the news again. God, what a day.

[Dan LeBatard]

They were awake, though, when it happened. That was what frustrated me. I woke up at like 6am Sunday morning, and Lehman was already halfway to his fishing trip in the Keys. And then he's like. He's like, wake up. The craziest NBA trade of all time just happened.

[Mike Ryan]

And I was like, this was a wake. It was. This was a wake up.

[Dan LeBatard]

Made me call him from the car so he could talk about it. And he was. I was like, huh, that's crazy, huh? And he was just like, blabbering on.

[Mike Ryan]

And this was a wake up. How. How often are there wake up calls? There's been a trade in your life.

[Dan LeBatard]

This is probably the first one. I mean, normally they happen when I'm awake.

[Mike Ryan]

Not this one.

[Roy Bellamy]

I bet you still got to talk to Abby about it.

[Stugotz]

I did, yeah.

[Roy Bellamy]

I told my wife, too. I'm like, hold up. You're not gonna believe what happened. She doesn't understand any of the players.

[Mike Ryan]

She didn't care at all.

[Roy Bellamy]

I didn't really care, but it's just like, you don't understand, Chris. I. You did. So I can contextualize how massive this was.

[Mike Ryan]

What was your experience with this, Chris? Did you wake up groggy? Did you smell of beer? Did you learn the.

[Stugotz]

Well, that's every morning. I, like, Mike woke up in the morning, and I had seen it late at night, but I was like. I had this, like, foggy Feeling of like, that was a dream. That wasn't. That happened. That actually happened. And I went back to Twitter. I was like, oh. Because that felt like a dream trade. Like what? Like that. Like that.

[Mike Ryan]

Wait. No way that I'll tell you what happened to me. I will tell you. I grabbed the iPad and I'm headed to the bathroom, groggy at whatever hour is. And when I come upon the story, it's there on espn. I look at it and I'm like, the Internet's fooling me again. And I close my laptop because when those lights get in my eyes, it'll keep me up. And I just went back to sleep saying, this is clearly fake. I'm. I'm. I'm not going to fool for this, nor am I going to adjust my eyesight enough to even go on the check to see if other people are talking about this. I'm gonna see if I can get back to sleep.

[Stugotz]

The iPad has replaced the newspaper as the thing you bring into the bathroom. Huh?

[Mike Ryan]

Put it on the poll at lab attired show has the iPad replace the newspaper is the thing you bring into the bathroom.

[Stugotz]

Sad day.

[Dan LeBatard]

How does that work? Do you, like, rested on your thighs?

[Mike Ryan]

I wasn't sitting down. I was just walking. I was just walking and checking in with the Internet on my way to the back.

[Dan LeBatard]

Holding a giant iPad in front of your face?

[Roy Bellamy]

Yeah, just like a morning paper.

[Stugotz]

But when you do sit down, do you. Do you bring the iPad with you, like for a read?

[Mike Ryan]

Why. Why the toilet?

[Stugotz]

Well, I'm just wondering because that's interesting to me. It used to be the newspaper, and now I'm guessing it's been replaced by the iPad.

[Mike Ryan]

Two o'clock in the.

[Roy Bellamy]

You share with the idea?

[Stugotz]

Well, we all Dan.

[Mike Ryan]

I do.

[Stugotz]

I share with my phone.

[Roy Bellamy]

I share with my phone all the time.

[Stugotz]

I know it's nothing. You're not proud to admit it, but it's a safe space.

[Roy Bellamy]

It's the best phone time. It really is.

[Stugotz]

All of a sudden your knees are asleep.

[Mike Ryan]

You guys have kids and you have to sometimes hide from your kids in.

[Stugotz]

Order to use salvation. He's still denying it.

[Roy Bellamy]

Mike, I don't understand. This has nothing to do with kids and reading your phone and being on that toilet for 20 minutes.

[Stugotz]

Glorious.

[Roy Bellamy]

It is.

[Stugotz]

Yeah.

[Roy Bellamy]

Quite honestly, the best of times.

[Mike Ryan]

I. I disagree. I don't like it in there. I don't like. It's not for me. Elbows on the knees.

[Roy Bellamy]

Everyone loves her own brand a little bit. Look in. See how you're doing.

[Dan LeBatard]

Are you okay?

[Stugotz]

You guys don't sit like this now. Sometimes I do.

[Mike Ryan]

Roy, did you care?

[Stugotz]

Sometimes just right elbow. Sometimes just left.

[Mike Ryan]

Roy, did you care at all, in any way about any of this?

[Roy Bellamy]

Yeah. I was at church when I found out and I said, holy.

[Mike Ryan]

And people hurt me and looked at me. On church.

[Roy Bellamy]

Church.

[Stugotz]

In church. Yeah.

[Mike Ryan]

It was that big of a deal.

[Dan LeBatard]

Wow. So you woke up and went all the way to church when. And you, like, didn't get any notifications on your phone?

[Roy Bellamy]

No.

[Dan LeBatard]

That's shocking in this day and age.

[Mike Ryan]

No, I try to limit my notifications now.

[Stugotz]

I feel like you're lying and you just wanted to get the holy joke off. I feel like you did see it before church.

[Roy Bellamy]

I literally on Twitter.

[Stugotz]

It's still a good joke. I mean, either way, I have a laptop.

[Mike Ryan]

This is on my phone. So what's happening right now, Roy, is the general disbelief. The entire room does not believe that you could be off the device places for a couple of hours.

[Roy Bellamy]

What time is Church?

[Mike Ryan]

8:30.

[Stugotz]

All right.

[Roy Bellamy]

Okay.

[Stugotz]

If it was 10am you were a liar, my friend.

[Mike Ryan]

8:30.

[Dan LeBatard]

I'll give it to you.

[Roy Bellamy]

Yeah. What time did you wake up?

[Mike Ryan]

Around seven.

[Roy Bellamy]

Okay. Yeah, no, this makes sense.

[Stugotz]

I'll give it to you. All right.

[Roy Bellamy]

Yeah. I gotta get plausible now.

[Dan LeBatard]

It's like a whole hour there. You probably might, like, just get a little check. See the push notification?

[Roy Bellamy]

Poop in the morning.

[Stugotz]

Let's see if you tweet it between seven.

[Roy Bellamy]

You always poop in the morning?

[Stugotz]

Every morning.

[Roy Bellamy]

And you don't check your phone? Not really.

[Mike Ryan]

I'm trying to get up out of there, man.

[Roy Bellamy]

You have a green.

[Mike Ryan]

That has nothing to do with it.

[Stugotz]

You're in a rush.

[Roy Bellamy]

That kind of helps. It does. Yeah. No, it does.

[Stugotz]

The phone flows in town.

[Roy Bellamy]

Yeah. I wouldn't check my phone if I had a tr.

[Stugotz]

Okay.

[Mike Ryan]

So holy in the church. You exclaimed it. And what happened?

[Roy Bellamy]

I got glaring looks at.

[Mike Ryan]

What are you doing cursing at church?

[Roy Bellamy]

So what did you explain? Like, Luca got traded and then they were like, okay, yeah, no, peace be with you.

[Mike Ryan]

No, I was in the middle of.

[Roy Bellamy]

Pastor talking, so I can't do it.

[Mike Ryan]

Princess Claire was there.

[Roy Bellamy]

No, she was. She was in the kids section. So she didn't hear me.

[Stugotz]

Ah, the kids section.

[Roy Bellamy]

Not really sure I know what to do with you not checking your phone during toilet time, but checking your phone in the middle of a sermon.

[Mike Ryan]

It happens sometimes, you know. Really?

[Roy Bellamy]

Yeah. Sometimes, you know, say the same thing.

[Stugotz]

Over and over, same message.

[Mike Ryan]

It seems like near the confessional booth, shouting, holy shit. In church would also be something that would qualify as something akin to sin, would it not?

[Roy Bellamy]

I guess. Well, that's a Catholic thing, isn't it?

[Mike Ryan]

I don't know how that works.

[Roy Bellamy]

What is the confessional?

[Mike Ryan]

Confessional?

[Dan LeBatard]

Confession.

[Mike Ryan]

You said confession.

[Dan LeBatard]

But forgive me, Father, for I've sinned. I checked my phone during the sermon and not when I was pooping.

[Roy Bellamy]

How does that work, though? Aren't you already saved? Like all your sins have already been forgiven? After you accept the deity of Christ? Yeah, after the whole baptism thing. So then you're good? Yeah, I got asked for forgiveness every now and then, but, yeah, I guess I'm good.

[Dan LeBatard]

Baptism's an original sin, I thought. Okay, so it depends on the religion.

[Mike Ryan]

Yeah, Pentecostal.

[Roy Bellamy]

I'm just. I'm just trying to learn here.

[Stugotz]

Are you saying the priest mailed it in, Roy, with the sermon yesterday? Did it?

[Roy Bellamy]

I'm not saying that it was mailed in. I'm just saying, you know, I forgot to check my phone, so I looked at it and said, oh, you were.

[Mike Ryan]

Bored of church and distracted.

[Roy Bellamy]

Yeah, it happens sometimes. You know, you hear the same thing.

[Mike Ryan]

Over and over every other week.

[Roy Bellamy]

You know, that's what happens.

[Mike Ryan]

I wanted to make an amen, amen joke, but I don't know how the Thompson kid in Houston pronounces it.

[Roy Bellamy]

I wish I watched the sport enough to get that joke. Hey, folks, it's Mike Ryan. It is big game week, and I've got just the thing to make your big game time a Miller Time. From fireside conversations to football Sundays, winter means more moments with the coolest people in your life. Make these moments even better with Miller Lite, the great tasting light beer for people, people who love beer. A new year is a perfect time for friends, family, and great tasting light beer Tastes like Miller Time. Miller Lite is brewed for taste. It hits different than other light beers. When you're hosting your ultimate game day party, why don't you bring out a beautiful silver platter of that amazing white can and know you will make everybody there happy. Because Miller Lite is the original light beer since 1975 and still the very, very best. 1 miller light. Great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight. Com Dan to find delivery options near you or you can pick up some Miller Light pretty much anywhere they sell. Beer tastes like Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.