Something incredibly rare happened this week.
The Super Bowl got upstaged.
The annual NFL showpiece is a truly global spectacle, enjoyed by millions of fans and celebrated with a half-time performance from music royalty.
But while Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to play for a historic three-peat, and Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley dream of lifting their first Lombardi Trophy, the NBA dominated social media discourse.
Sports fans around the world were stunned by a blockbuster trade that sent five-time NBA All-Star Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for 75th Anniversary Team member Anthony Davis.
Texas native and Mavericks super-fan Mahomes was just like everyone else when the bombshell news dropped, expressing his disbelief with a two-word social media message: “Wait what?” before following it up with, “I’m sick (right now.)”
Several days later, the dizzying NBA trade deadline was sent into overdrive once again when it was announced that the Golden State Warriors were acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat on a two-year deal worth $121 million.
Despite addressing the world’s media in packed-out New Orleans hotels and gearing towards a potentially legacy-defining game, Mahomes was able to take in the craziness of the NBA trade machine and reflect on what he’d seen.
“It’s been a crazy week,” the Chiefs signal caller exclusively told talkSPORT’s Brian T. Smith in New Orleans.
“I mean, not only in football but in all sports. A lot of stuff’s been out there, but it’s been fun.”
“A lot of movement in basketball. Jimmy Butler to the Warriors.
“You watch it all and know that it’s going to be fun, especially for the Western Conference going down the stretch, and hopefully the Mavs can make a little run at it again and try to get back [to the NBA Finals].
Doncic touched down in La La Land as a Laker for the first time on Tuesday.
Read More on Super Bowl LIX
He held up his signature No.77 jersey during his introductory press conference as he was officially unveiled as the newest face of the seventeen-time world champions.
On Wednesday, the Slovenian superstar took to the practice court for the first time with his new teammates, drilling half-court heaves and putting up shots with the likes of LeBron James and his son Bronny.
Later that evening, Doncic he was sat on LA’s bench for their 122-97 cross-city win over the Los Angeles Clippers, where he applauded a LeBron dunk and sat next to Bronny as he got into it with a fan.
Despite being at the center of the Super Bowl storm, Mahomes saw the footage of Doncic practising with his new teammates and admitted it ‘hurts’ him as a Mavs fan.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s exciting even though it hurts as a Mavs man, it is exciting for the sport of basketball for him to be on the Lakers with LeBron, and it’ll be great for him in his career,” he told talkSPORT.
However, Mahomes kept upbeat, reflecting on the Mavs landing an all-world defensive talent like AD which will undoubtedly improve their roster.
“I’m excited to see Anthony Davis out there with the Mavs as well,” the three-time Super Bowl MVP added.
How To Watch the Full U.S. Coverage of Super Bowl LIX Live for 99p
*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue
Access the ultimate Super Bowl LIX experience with NFL Game Pass – the only place to watch the full U.S. broadcast. For just 99p, you can enjoy the game exactly as it was meant to be seen!
- One-Time Payment: Pay only 99p and unlock access to the ultimate Super Bowl LIX experience with NFL Game Pass.
- U.S. Broadcast: Watch the full U.S. coverage of Super Bowl LIX, including the pre-game show, half-time show, post-game show, and even the iconic U.S. commercials.
This is your chance to enjoy the true Super Bowl experience. Don’t miss out – get access now with NFL Game Pass on DAZN for just 99p!