Michael Malone Reacts to Los Angeles Lakers Trade for Luka Doncic

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone shares thoughts on Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic

Feb 22, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates after a basket during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images / Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the NBA world when they traded Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic this year in what many consider the most unexpected trade in league history.

The trade change the trajectory of the Lakers not only now, but also for the next decade to come. It's also changed how the Lakers match up with their longtime rival, the Denver Nuggets. Denver's multi-season dominance over the Lakers seems to be over now that Doncic is on the team.

When the Nuggets faced off against the Lakers on Wednesday night, Denver's head coach Michael Malone spoke about how the trade changed LA.

"Different players, different coaches," Malone said. "There's a lot of change within the Lakers... They're a different team. JJ is coaching them and his fingerprints are all over this team. They've added another MVP candidate in Luka and the most amazing thing I think about that trade is just how the Lakers defense has gone almost to the top of the charts."

Michael Malone on the differences he's seen from the Lakers since the trade: pic.twitter.com/EMrKbyWR24

— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) March 20, 2025

Many believed that the Lakers would struggle defensively when they added Luka Doncic to the team, especially with Austin Reaves being in the starting lineup too. Instead, they've only thrived.

"They play small, they play athletic, they play a lot of versatile guys and they're just really disruptive on that end of the floor," Malone said. "You have to be able to counter that."

Mar 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is guarded by Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

It's a new era for the Los Angeles Lakers, and if the Denver Nuggets don't show something in the playoffs or make a move next season, their era might be over.

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