Following weeks of internal discussions between Mavericks general manager, Nico Harrison, and his Lakers counterpart, Rob Pelinka, a blockbuster trade has been finalised. This will see last season's NBA leading scorer, Luka Dončić, suit up in the famous yellow and purple of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dončić joined the Mavericks in 2018 after being selected with the 3rd pick of the NBA Draft. During his tenure in Dallas, the point-guard transformed himself into the face of the franchise, earning five successive All-NBA First Team selections and leading his side to the NBA Finals just last year, where the Mavs were ultimately defeated by the Boston Celtics. Dončić was due to become elegible for a 5-year, $345 million supermax contract extension this summer, one that it seemed inevitable he would sign, but Dallas has decided to pivot elsewhere.
Dončić joined the Mavericks in 2018 after being selected with the 3rd pick of the NBA Draft.
A move like this is unprecedented in the NBA, teams do not simply trade away their prized asset whilst he is in his prime. Dončić is just 25-years-old and had his best season to date last year, averaging 33.9 points, 9.8 assists and 9.2 rebounds. His relationship with back-court partner, Kyrie Irving, has continued to blossom since the Mavs traded for Irving two-years ago, and Dončić had shown no signs of unhappiness in Dallas.
Mavs general manager Harrison, however, felt that it was time for a change. Speaking to media following the trade, a defiant Harrison declared, "Defence wins championships", praising Davis' elite defensive capabilities whilst alluding to Luka's perceived shortcomings in that area. Despite an uptick in Dončić's defensive activity last season, the Slovenian did struggle on the defensive side of the floor against the Celtics in last year's NBA Finals. There have also been concerns raised surrounding Dončić's conditioning, with reports explaining that the Mavericks organisation had grown frustrated with Dončić's weight issues.
It remains to be seen if these concerns are justified, or whether the Mavericks have given up prematurely on last season's NBA scoring champion. What is for certain is that the Mavs have acquired an exceptional two-way player in Anthony Davis, one that is sure to make a great impact over the rest of the year. Davis has had a terrific first-half of the season, and will form a fearsome duo with Irving having worked in tandem with Lebron James in Los Angeles.
It remains to be seen if these concerns are justified, or whether the Mavericks have given up prematurely on last season's NBA scoring champion.
The Lakers, meanwhile, have struck gold should Dončić be able to replicate anything close to his form in Dallas. The future had previously looked uncertain in Los Angeles, with Lebron knocking on the door of retirement whilst Davis turns 32-years-old next month. There is no such issue planning for the future now, with the Lakers receiving a player with plenty of time on his side and bags of talent to match. Dončić brings star quality to a franchise littered with historically great players, and there is little reason why he will not be able to add himself to the list of Lakers legends by the end of his time in Los Angeles.