In what will probably be remembered as the most shocking trade in NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for their star player Anthony Davis. While there’s much debate about which team got the better end of the deal, one thing is sure: Jordan Brand is ultimately the true winner here.
Another Win For Jordan Brand
Say what you want about the deal itself; there’s no doubt that Jordan Brand’s visibility and marketability will be significantly increased by having a relatively young, multi-talented player like Luka Doncic on the Lakers roster. Sure, there is a sizable fan base for the Dallas Mavericks. However, it’s still hard to overlook the instant boost that comes from playing for a storied team that has won seventeen NBA titles alongside a wide spectrum of highly regarded players.
One need only look at the sheer volume of Jordan Luka sneaker designs that started circulating online a mere few hours after the news of the move broke to understand the impact this partnership will have on his signature line with Jordan Brand. There has been an outpour of concept sneakers like this Jordan Luka 3 “Lakers” colourway by @aj.customkicks celebrating this exciting new chapter in Luka Doncic’s career.
Upset In The NBA
Yet the move doesn’t come without its controversy. Multiple sources claim that Luka would have qualified for a supermax extension if he had remained with the Dallas Mavericks this summer. This would have been the biggest NBA contract ever, worth $345 million over five years. However, Luka will no longer be eligible after joining the Lakers, and the largest extension he can receive in Los Angeles is $229 million.
But regardless of the financial implications, the fact that Doncic and Davis were unaware of the potential deal until it occurred is certain to have stirred up unsettled feelings and concerns about how the decision was reached. While we don’t know all of the specifics, Luka has sent a heartfelt letter to Dallas to share his feelings.
“Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level,” he writes. “I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship. The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of.” The sportsman continues, “For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home. In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you for not only sharing my joy in our best moments, but also for lifting me up when I needed it most.”
You Can’t Spell LA without Luka
Even though the move caught Luka off guard, there is no denying the capacity for him to thrive in Los Angeles. After all, Doncic will be able to learn from one of the best players in NBA history as he joins his idol, LeBron James, on the Lakers team. This new phase of Luka’s career could offer the ideal setting for him to finally bag a championship ring and solidify his place among the league’s elite players—and of course, make Jordan Brand a very happy sponsor.
Doncic started his NBA journey as a Nike player before moving over to their Jordan Brand division in 2019. And with a huge extension deal signed with the star player in 2023, the Jumpman Label’s future with the now Laker’s athlete is looking exceptionally bright. Doncic’s signature footwear line may only have three releases with Jordan Brand at the moment, but as he continues to make a name for himself in the NBA, there will surely be more exciting things ahead in the years to come.
Until then, make sure to check out more of what the Jordan Brand has in store this year, including highly sought-after drops like the Air Jordan 11 “Coldest In The Game,” A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 6 and the ‘UNC’ Jordan 4 PE.
In your opinion, is Jordan Brand the true winner of this trade regarding the Lakers and Luka Doncic? Do you have high hopes for the future of Doncic’s signature shoe line? Share your views in the comments section below!
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