Lakers’ Jeanie Buss details secretive nature behind Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis trade

Jeanie Buss ensured the Lakers’ trade for Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis was completed in total secrecy.

Lakers owner Jeanie Buss opened up about the highly secretive process behind the blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis during her appearance on the Rich Eisen Show. Speculation has surrounded who was aware of the deal before it happened, but Buss indicated that only she and General Manager Rob Pelinka were involved, with no role played by JJ Redick or other front office members.

“The discussions began a couple of weeks before the trade was finalized, and Rob and I were very intentional about keeping it under wraps. Leaks can be disruptive to a team focused on improvement,” Buss said at the 2:10 mark of the interview.

“With a rookie head coach in JJ Redick, making a major trade mid-season carried risks. If it had fallen through, it could have had lasting effects. That’s why every step was carefully managed, and we ensured both sides were aligned before moving forward,” she added.

The fact that no details leaked suggests the negotiations were kept strictly between the owners and GMs involved. In a trade of this magnitude, with agents, players, and front office personnel typically in the loop, the level of secrecy was remarkable.

Lakers continue progress with Luka Doncic

Speculation aside, Jeanie Buss and the Los Angeles Lakers successfully pulled off their major move, acquiring Luka Doncic while parting ways with Anthony Davis.

Through his first four games with the Lakers, Doncic has led the team to a 2-2 record, averaging 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His best performance so far came on Feb. 22 against Denver, where he dominated with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists in a 123-100 victory.

Los Angeles currently holds a 34-21 record, sitting fourth in the Western Conference standings. They trail the Memphis Grizzlies by two games and are 2.5 games behind the Denver Nuggets.

Up next, the Lakers return home for a highly anticipated matchup against former star Anthony Davis and the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET.