NBA star Lance Stephenson on the brutal trade system and how the Mavs come out winners of the Doncic, Davis trade

NBA star turned rapper Lance Stephenson has opened up on the realities of the league’s brutal trade system and declares Dallas the winners of the Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis trade.

NBA star Lance Stephenson has revealed his stance on the league’s mid-season trade after the shock Luka Doncic trade to the LA Lakers that broke the internet last Sunday.

No stranger to the business side of the sport, Stephenson has played for eight NBA teams across the last 15 years and declares he isn’t a fan of the brutal system but it keeps players on their toes.

“I don’t really like the trades, especially the mid-season when you have to pack up all your stuff and go to another city,” Stephenson told Code Sports.

“It’s stressful but it comes with basketball and you’ve got to be ready for it, be prepared.

“But you can’t let it break you, you have to be mentally sharp.”

Lance Stephenson lined up alongside LeBron James for the Lakers in 2018. Picture: Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP

“It was fun, travelling, I got to play with different NBA teams, see a lot of different things, and go around the whole country.

“A lot of people don’t get to do that, so that experience is like a blessing to me.”

With the LeBron James and Doncic partnership maintaining the hot topic of the week, Stephenson was shocked that the Lakers gave up Anthony Davis and is now confident that the Dallas Mavericks will come out of the trade on top.

“I didn’t think they’d give away AD (Anthony Davis), I feel like it’s going to help the Mavericks more than the Lakers,” Stephenson said.

“I’m happy for AD, he’s on a better team, a championship contending team.

“He’s got a lot of defenders and shooters around him.

“He’s got Kyrie Irving holding it down, so I don’t feel like that’s a loss for him.

“If I was AD I wouldn’t be mad, cause I know I got a chance at the championship this year.”

Lance Stephenson is in Melbourne for the Summer Jam. Picture: Joel Scerri

Brooklyn born and bred, he has never shied away from the entertainment factor, and towards the back end of his playing career has delved into a previous creative passion, music.

“Growing up in New York, it was being in the school lunchroom, freestyling and having fun with my friends,” Stephenson said.

“It’s almost the end of my career, so I thought why not just try something different and see what I can do with it.”

And the pro-baller turned rapper is now taking his game and tracks to the streets of St Kilda for the three day Summer Jam basketball festival and streetball championship.

“I love streetball, so I can’t wait to be here and enjoy the atmosphere.”

The Jam tips off today and runs all weekend at Peanut Farm Reserve in St Kilda, with Stephenson among a packed three day schedule of ball, dunk contests, activations and entertainment.

Originally published as NBA star Lance Stephenson on the brutal trade system and how the Mavs come out winners of the Doncic, Davis trade