The NBA world was shocked in February as the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The move was unprecedented as the five-time All-NBA First Team guard was just 25 years old and fresh off of leading the team to an NBA Finals appearance.
While Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison faced plenty of backlash for the deal, Kendrick Perkins recently claimed he understood the decision. Following the Lakers 116-113 Game 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the NBA analyst discussed the move while giving Anthony Edwards plenty of praise, stating:
"He traded Luka because he felt that the Dallas Mavericks were not going to be able to win a championship with Luka. We all know this. I didn't feel that way watching the game looking at Anthony Edwards," Perkins claimed on Monday. "I'm saying to myself, Anthony Edwards is going to win a championship before Luka Doncic. Anthony Edwards is built different. Anthony Edwards is a better all-around basketball player than Luka Doncic."
Perkins criticized Lakers head coach JJ Redick for playing LeBron James the entire second half, however, he believes that Doncic should have had no issue playing 24 consecutive minutes due to his young age. The former NBA center praised Edwards for eliminating Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic from last year's postseason, while suggesting that he has the opportunity to do the same to James, Doncic and Stephen Curry -- who Minnesota could face in the second round.
The 2008 NBA champion concluded by labeling Edwards as a top-five player in the league. While the Timberwolves still need one more win, they were able to take a commanding 3-1 series lead on Sunday.
Edwards led the way as he finished with 43 points, nine rebounds, six assists and one block while shooting 12-23 from the field, 5-10 from three-point range and 14-17 from the free-throw line. 16 of his points came in the final quarter as Minnesota outscored Los Angeles 32-19.
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Doncic also had a big scoring night as he had 38 points, however, he had just one rebound and two assists, adding one steal and one block. The Lakers' star shot 13--for-28 from the field, 5-for-12 from three-point range and 7-for-7 from the free-throw line.
He was far less efficient in the fourth quarter, however, despite scoring seven points in the frame. Doncic shot just 1-for-6 from the field and 0-for-2 from three-point range, while knocking down all five of his free-throw attempts.
While both players are having a great series, the Timberwolves have a commanding 3-1 lead. They will have an opportunity to close things out in Game 5, which will take place in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
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