The sports world was shocked late Saturday night when NBA superstar Luka Doncic was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. The shocking trade is similar to the San Jose Sharks' acquisition of Joe Thornton.

The sports world was shocked late Saturday night when NBA superstar Luka Doncic was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. The shocking trade is similar to the San Jose Sharks' acquisition of Joe Thornton.

The trade came out of left field with absolutely nobody expecting the Mavericks to move their 25-year-old superstar, who is entering the prime years of his career. Doncic is a five-time All-NBA player, a five-time NBA All-Star, and a perennial MVP candidate every year. He was selected third overall in 2018. 

Joe Thornton was selected first overall in the 1998 NHL Draft and was considered a potential MVP for many years. His size and skill made a perfect combination for a hockey player, yet the Bruins moved on from him while he was just 26, entering his career's prime years. 

Thornton would win MVP in 2006 after leading the league in assists (96) and points (125). 

Doncic led the NBA in PPG last season (33.9) and finished third in MVP voting. Doncic also brought his team to the NBA Finals and won Western Conference Finals MVP in 2024.

It is difficult to compare the two, but Thornton's and Doncic's trades caused all sports fans to react in the same way: complete shock. 

Doncic will play with his idol, LeBron James. The only question for Doncic now is whether he will get that illustrious NBA Title, unlike Joe Thornton, who never won a Stanley Cup.

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