Luka Doncic’s trade to the Los Angeles Lakers sent shockwaves through the NBA.
General manager Rob Pelinka gave up Anthony Davis as part of the package to bring the five-time All-Star over from the Dallas Mavericks.
The Lakers tried to add a big man to pair with their new weapon but a move for Mark Williams fell through after the deadline.
It left LA with a glaring lack of height and unheralded 24-year-old Jaxson Hayes starting at center.
Many analysts feel the benefits of the Doncic move will be felt in years to come, with another of LeBron James’ precious final years wasted.
But despite the failed move for Williams, NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe thinks the 32-9 Lakers would topple the 43-9 Oklahoma City Thunder if they met the Western Conference leaders in the postseason.
“Let us get OKC in the Western Conference Finals,” he said on First Take as Brian Windhorst scratched the bridge of his nose in disbelief. “I guarantee it!”
“If the Lakers get the OKC Thunder in the Western Conference, we are going to the NBA Finals!”
Stephen A. Smith — no stranger to a bold take himself — is not buying what his co-host is selling.
“You gonna beat the Oklahoma City Thunder? Shannon need to be drug tested,” he shot back.
Fans were split on social media but many came to Sharpe’s defense.
“I agree with Shannon in that hypothetical scenario, but the problem is I don’t see them getting that far playing small ball and with Hayes as their starting center. Hopefully, I’m wrong,” wrote one.
“You laugh now until it happens. None of you had Mavs in the finals last year either,” added a second.
“With no center they’ll be lucky to get out of the first round,” a third insisted.
The Lakers beat the Utah Jazz on Monday with LeBron and Doncic playing together for the first time.
It was a sixth-straight victory but came at a price as King James appeared to limp out with injury.
The ESPN panel discussed whether the Lakers boast the most formidable duo in the NBA after partnering 25-year-old Doncic with their veteran talisman.
“LeBron James is truly the GOAT for 40-year-olds,” added Smith. “The greatest 40-year-old that the game of basketball has ever seen.
“When you think about Luka [Doncic] being 25 years of age, eventually they should be the scariest, their basketball IQs are off the chart. We know what they can do on the basketball court.
“But this season, I haven’t given up on [Denver Nuggets star Nikola] Jokic and [Jamal] Murray. I’m going to stand on that for the time being.”