As we quickly approach the NBA Playoffs, the reverberations of the trade deadline still persist. The Dallas Mavericks' shocking decision to trade Luka Doncic in exchange for Anthony Davis sent shockwaves through the league. It took the players involved caught off-guard, making their adjustments to their new teams that much more difficult.
It was especially challenging for Davis, who suffered an unfortunate injury in his Mavs debut that kept him out for over a month. Moving on from a team and a city after six years and doing so in the middle of the season with no prior notice is very difficult.
In his latest interview with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, the former Lakers star addressed these challenges. Davis said that once he got over the initial shock of the trade, he was as happy as he had been in a long time. He also revealed fascinating details about his evolving relationship with LeBron James.
Davis said that even though he is still friends with James, they "don't talk or hand like [they] used to just because of the teams".
"But [the Lakers] are trying to make a push, we’re trying to make a push, so we don’t talk as much. But we still check in on each other. "Anthony Davis
Interestingly enough, Davis brought up the rumors unprompted that LeBron knew about the trade before it was announced. Instead of saying that he didn't think James hid anything from him or that he believed him, Davis said it didn't matter who knew or didn't know. He preferred to have the attitude of "it happened," and it's not worth "going back" since "it's a business".
While AD later added that they still keep in touch and text, it's obvious that the relationship between the two stars is evolving. Where it will go from here will be fascinating to watch for all basketball fans.