Lakers Great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Weighs in on Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis Trade

One of the greatest players in NBA history weighed in on the shocking trade.

Feb 4, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; NBA Hall of Famer and UCLA Bruin alumni Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and NBA Hall of Famer and Michigan State Spartans alumni share a moment during the game between the two school at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Even though it has been over a week since it happened, there is still a lot of shock and awe involved in the Los Angeles Lakers trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic.

It was one of the most shocking trades in the history of the NBA. What makes it even crazier is that Davis got hurt in his first game with the Mavericks and could miss up to a month.

Doncic has played in just two games with the Lakers prior to the All-Star break but has already shown what he can bring to the team.

Read more: How Many Points Did Luka Doncic Score in Second Game With Lakers?

Everyone has had an opinion on this trade and what it means for both teams. A Lakers legend even had a take on the trade and what it means for Los Angeles.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar likes the trade for not just the present of the Lakers but their future as well. He wrote that it's something that will pay off for them in the future. “A long-term strategy that will pay off for the Lakers.”

Los Angeles made this trade because Doncic can be the face of the franchise for years to come. Once LeBron James retires, he will be the player who will be leading them.

Doncic can still help the team win now. Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference at the All-Star break, with Doncic only having played two games so far.

More Lakers news: Bronny James Drops Career-High Points Despite Lakers Loss to Jazz

Abdul-Jabbar knows what it means to get traded to the Lakers. He was traded thereafter forcing his way out of Milwaukee back in the 1970s. After winning a title with the Bucks, he would go on to win five more with Los Angeles.

Doncic is just trying to win one with the Lakers right now. After making the NBA Finals a year ago with the Mavs, he wants to get back and actually win the title.

This team is good enough to compete for the title this season and for the next few seasons. As long as James and Doncic are on the roster, they have a real shot at winning it all.

Doncic is averaging 27 points, eight rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game this season.

More Los Angeles Lakers news: Impact of Rescinded Mark Williams Trade on Lakers Season

Dalton Knecht Finally Breaks Silence Regarding Lakers Rescinded Trade

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.