On a crazy first day of February 2025, Luka Doncic plus Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris were traded to the LA Lakers. These three players left Dallas, while the Mavericks received Anthony Davis; Max Christie; and the Lakers 2029 first round draft pick. The third team involved this monumental trade was the Utah Jazz. Utah received Jalen Hood-Schifino, the LA Clippers 2025 second round pick, and the Mavericks 2025 second round selection. Unfortunately, Anthony Davis could return by March 15, 2025 as he is out with a groin injury since February 9, 2025. Maxi Kleber had surgery on his broken foot, and he will be out for eight more weeks. In addition, Kleber will not play the rest of the 2024-2025 NBA season due to his recovery from surgery. In March 2020, Markieff Morris played for the Lakers and he won an NBA championship with LA in October 2020. This year, the Lakers are in fourth place in the Western Conference standings. JJ Redick is a 40 year old NBA coach, and he has coached more than 50 games for the LA Lakers in his first year. Luka Doncic has dreamed of playing alongside his idol, LeBron James. LeBron Raymone "Bronny" James Jr. has played 17 games for the Lakers this year, and he has scored 1.4 points on average. Next, Khris Middleton is no longer a part of the Milwaukee Bucks 2020-2021 NBA championship roster. He was traded from Milwaukee to the Washington Wizards along with AJ Johnson and 2028 first-round pick swap. The Washington Wizards traded Kyle Kuzma, Jericho Sims, and 2025 second-round pick to Milwaukee. The New York Knicks received Delon Wright and cash considerations, while the San Antonio Spurs received Patrick Baldwin Jr. and cash considerations. The NY Knicks and San Antonio Spurs were the other two teams, that were involved in the deal involving Khris Middleton and Kyle Kuzma. Besides these massive trades, the Miami Heat traded Jimmy "Buckets" Butler to the Golden State Warriors for Kyle Anderson, Andrew Wiggins, and a protected first-round pick. The Utah Jazz received Dennis Schröder from Golden State, and he was later traded to the Pistons. The Pistons received Lindy Waters III and Josh Richardson. The Heat acquired guard Davion Mitchell from Toronto. P.J. Tucker was briefly on the Heat, before he was traded to the Raptors for Davion Mitchell. Also, the Memphis Grizzlies traded Marcus Smart to the Washington Wizards in a three team deal that included the Sacramento Kings. Washington received Smart, Colby Jones, Alex Len, and a 2025 first-round pick. The Grizzlies received Marvin Bagley III, Johnny Davis, a 2025 second-round pick (Wizards), and a 2028 second-round pick (Kings). The Kings received Jake LaRavia. The Memphis Grizzlies are in second place in the Western Conference standings, and this team could battle Oklahoma City Thunder for the top spot in the Western Conference. In closing, James Wiseman was traded from Indiana Pacers to Toronto Raptors for a 2026 second round draft pick. Alex Len signed with the LA Lakers on February 11, 2025; as the Mark Williams deal involving Charlotte Hornets and LA Lakers was rescinded. Bogdan Bogdanovic was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the LA Clippers along with three future second-round picks, for Terance Mann and Bones Hyland. The NBA Playoffs start on April 19, and the Oklahoma City Thunder could be the #1 seed in the west and Cleveland Cavaliers could be the #1 seed in the East. With these incredible NBA trades, will the LA Lakers upset some teams to make the NBA Finals? If the LA Lakers make it to the NBA finals, it will be a nice Hollywood story like the picture of Luka Doncic with his new #77 jersey above.
