Keeping the romance alive in sports despite unpredictable times

VALENTINE’S Day is approaching soon and so is my first year wedding anniversary.

While I’m all excited with plans afoot, love is far from in the air across the continent at the NBA basketball court, more specifically with the Dallas Mavericks.

My heart skipped a beat when Shams Charania, an American sports reporter, renowned for his NBA breaking news, tweeted “The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN.

“This is a three-team deal that includes Utah.”

My heart sank. Doncic was the face of the team. Why him?

I mean no disrespect to his replacement Davis, the Slovenian superstar who is widely regarded as the next Dirk Nowitzki, who spent 21 illustrious years with the Mavericks, culminating in a championship victory in 2011. Davis is indeed a good buy but why kick out Doncic, a five-time NBA All-Star and the player who led them to the NBA Finals just last year. Is there no one else to trade in for?

The 25-year-old Doncic was adored in Dallas and naturally, he was shocked by this stunning trade and is heartbroken. He, however, put on a brave face and said he was ready to rock with the Lakers, alongside LeBron James.

His story sums up one thing - the life of a professional athlete is far from predictable, no matter how good you are.

One day you are celebrated as a hero and another day, you are not wanted.

But it is how you come out of the dejection and build yourself up again that matters. And I believe Mavericks’ loss will be Lakers’ gain.

Just look at what happened close to home. Shuttlers Lee Zii Jia (men’s singles) and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (men’s doubles), went through ups and downs under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).

No one would have imagined that they would leave the comfort and security provided by the national body, but they did, and once they left the national set-up, these players stood tall despite many challenges as professionals.

In fact, they are doing well. Zii Jia, with a dedicated support team, achieved an Olympic bronze medal last year to save Malaysia the blushes while reigning Indian Open champions Sze Fei-Izzuddin have been on fire, winning consistently.

Transitioning from a structured environment to going solo is daunting, but these athletes have proven their resilience in navigating the uncertainties of professional sports.

Team events are not spared too. In local football, uncertainty looms for professional players and their future with their clubs in both the Super League and the Premier League.

With the current season set to conclude in April, players seemed to be preoccupied with their futures rather than solely focusing on team goals. But that’s only understandable as the life of an athlete is rarely stable.

They work hard and for long years, but the window of opportunity is rather short.

And that’s why I’ve learnt to appreciate these professionals - may it be our footballers, shuttlers or athletes like Doncic.

They are trying hard to make a name for themselves and fighting hard to bring honour either for their teams or countries and despite the unpredictability, they keep giving their best.

Life after a change is tough but I admire those who quickly adapt and keep chasing after their ambitions. These athletes deserve our respect and I sincerely hope our fans will show unconditional love.

As my wife always says, love without respect is blind, and respect without love is cold.

All the best to all the Doncics out there, we respect and love you.