The Stephen A. Smith Show

Episode: Stephen A's Take: Dallas Mavericks are still contenders despite trading Luka Doncic
Release Date: February 5, 2025

Introduction to the Mavericks-Lakers Trade

In this episode, Stephen A. Smith delves into the recent high-profile trade between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers, which saw Luka Doncic move to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Smith provides a comprehensive analysis of the trade, focusing on its implications for both teams, particularly the Mavericks' future prospects without their star point guard.

Assessing Anthony Davis's Impact on the Mavericks

Smith begins by highlighting the caliber of talent the Mavericks acquired with Anthony Davis:

• All-Around Player: "Anthony Davis is an all-world player... He’s a candidate for defensive player of the year... one of the elite defenders and the elite big men in the game of basketball." [01:20]

• Championship Pedigree: "He’s a champion not only at the collegiate level for Kentucky, but with the Lakers with their championship in the bubble from four years ago." [02:05]

Smith underscores Davis's defensive prowess and his ability to be a cornerstone for the Mavericks' defense, positioning him as a valuable asset.

Mavericks' Strategic Advantages Without Luka Doncic

Contrary to what one might expect, Smith argues that the Mavericks remain strong contenders even without Luka Doncic:

• Experience and Synergy: "Anthony Davis joining Gafford and Lively and P.J. Washington... that’s formidable. That’s no joke." [04:10]

• Offensive Flexibility: "With Kyrie holding the ball, no longer having to defer to Luka Doncic... Anthony Davis having a post presence and a big man that you could kick the ball to from 15, from 10, from 5 or from 3 point range." [05:00]

Smith emphasizes that Davis's addition provides the Mavericks with a versatile offensive and defensive lineup, enhancing their competitiveness in the Western Conference.

Comparative Analysis with Other Western Conference Teams

Smith evaluates the broader landscape of the Western Conference to contextualize the Mavericks' standing:

• Oklahoma City Thunder Dominance: "Oklahoma City is number one seed in the west at 38 and nine... Shay Gilgeous Alexander... Damon... is my MVP right now." [06:45]

• Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets: "Six game lead over the Memphis Grizzlies. Six and a half game lead over the Houston Rockets." [07:00]

• Dallas vs. Oklahoma City: "The same Dallas Mavericks team that beat Oklahoma City in the playoffs last year... the same Dallas Mavericks team that beat Oklahoma City twice in the last two weeks without Luka." [07:30]

Smith acknowledges the strong performance of teams like Oklahoma City but maintains that the Mavericks have the potential to compete at the top, especially given their recent successes against formidable opponents.

Financial and Personal Implications for Anthony Davis

Beyond on-court performance, Smith touches on the financial and personal dimensions of Davis's move:

• Salary and Tax Benefits: "Anthony Davis got an automatic at least 9% spike in his salary just because he departed from Los Angeles to Dallas, from California to Texas. No state income taxes in Texas." [07:50]

• Lifestyle Adjustments: "He can lease out the mansion, he can sell it, he can live there in the off-season... Anthony Davis money gonna go pretty damn far." [08:10]

These factors, according to Smith, ensure that Davis is not only a valuable player for the Mavericks but also in a favorable personal and financial position, which can positively influence his performance and longevity with the team.

Conclusion: Mavericks' Contender Status Affirmed

Smith concludes by reinforcing his belief that the Dallas Mavericks remain strong contenders in the NBA:

• Defensive Improvement: "The Mavs have improved defensively by leaps and bounds. I got them as a top two team in the West." [03:50]

• Team Chemistry and Potential: "Anthony Davis joining Gafford and Lively and P.J. Washington... he was nothing but professional when we called them." [04:30]

Smith is optimistic about the Mavericks' trajectory, citing their improved defense, strategic acquisitions, and the seamless integration of key players as indicators of their continued competitiveness in the league.

Notable Quotes

• On Anthony Davis's Value:
  "Anthony Davis is an all-world player... it's one of the elite defenders and the elite big men in the game of basketball." [01:20]

• On Mavericks' Offensive Strategy:
  "With Kyrie holding the ball, no longer having to defer to Luka Doncic... Anthony Davis having a post presence and a big man that you could kick the ball to..." [05:00]

• On Financial Benefits for Davis:
  "Anthony Davis got an automatic at least 9% spike in his salary just because he departed from Los Angeles to Dallas... No state income taxes in Texas." [07:50]

Final Thoughts

Stephen A. Smith provides a detailed and optimistic outlook on the Dallas Mavericks' future post-trade. By acquiring Anthony Davis, the Mavericks have strengthened their defensive capabilities and added significant offensive flexibility. Despite the departure of Luka Doncic, Smith believes that the Mavericks retain their status as contenders in the competitive Western Conference, supported by strategic player acquisitions and improved team dynamics.

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