Some things in the NBA seem inevitable — LeBron James chasing records, Giannis Antetokounmpo dominating the paint, and seasonal changes to the All-Star Weekend. But occasionally, a moment or feat shakes the league in a way that feels almost mythical, something so rare we might never see it again.

Luka Dončić’s shocking move to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2, 2025, is the latest addition to this exclusive list. From every angle and context, Dončić’s move is a franchise-altering shift that stunned fans and analysts. But it isn’t the first NBA anomaly we’ve witnessed (and might never see again). 

Here’s a closer look at Dončić’s blockbuster transfer and three other NBA phenomena we may never witness again.

Luka Dončić’s Shocking Move to the Lakers (2025)

For years, Luka Dončić was the face of the Dallas Mavericks, drawing comparisons to all-time greats and being touted as the franchise’s future. Dončić was widely viewed as an untouchable asset in the NBA, but that changed on February 2 when he was unexpectedly shipped to the Lakers along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. In return, the Mavs received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick.

Superstars have changed teams before, but a generational talent like Dončić switching jerseys at this stage of his career — without a trade request, leak, or even a whisper beforehand — is unheard of. A move of this magnitude happening again, especially in complete secrecy within today’s hyper-connected media era, is highly unlikely.

Vince Carter’s “Dunk of Death” (2000)

Some dunks are pure showstoppers, and then there are those that define an era. Vince Carter’s legendary dunk over 7’2″ Frédéric Weis during the 2000 Sydney Olympics falls into the latter category. Dubbed the “Dunk of Death,” it remains one of the most jaw-dropping displays of athleticism the sport has ever seen.

To leap over a towering defender and finish with such ferocity is something that even today’s most athletic players have yet to replicate. In an era where defenders are more mobile and rim protection is at an all-time high, seeing a dunk of this magnitude again seems almost impossible.

Muggsy Bogues Thriving in a Big Man’s League

At just 5’3”, Muggsy Bogues defied all odds to carve out a 14-season career in a league dominated by giants. Despite his size disadvantage, he was a respected playmaker, finishing in the top seven in assists for six consecutive seasons (1989–1995) and in the top ten in steals in three of those seasons.

There are currently players below six feet (six listed between 5’8″ and 5’10”) in the NBA today, but with the league continuously evolving toward bigger, more athletic guards, the likelihood of another player under 5’6″ making a significant impact is slim.

Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-Point Game (1962)

Scoring 50 points in a game is an achievement. Dropping 81, as Kobe Bryant did in 2006, is legendary. But scoring 100 points in a single game? That might be an unbreakable record.

Wilt Chamberlain’s historic night against the New York Knicks in 1962 remains the highest-scoring performance in NBA history. Today, the game is structured around team-oriented play, defensive schemes are more advanced, and individual scoring explosions are often tempered by game flow and coaching strategy. Considering no player has ever come within 20 points of Wilt’s century mark — aside from Kobe in 2006 — seems destined to stand the test of time.