The Los Angeles Lakers’ early playoff exit has brought back questions about the NBA trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick. While the Lakers’ demise at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves may have provided some vindication for Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison, it’s unlikely that he was entirely correct in his assessment.
The trade was never about this season alone; it was about securing Luka’s long-term success and potentially revamping the Lakers’ future. The reality is that Dončić, along with LeBron James and Austin Reaves, formed a starting lineup with three All-Star-level players, which led to defensive issues. The Lakers lacked a starting center, leaving them vulnerable to opposing big men.
In Game 5, Rudy Gobert dominated the small-ball lineup that featured Dončić, James, Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith. While Luka averaged impressive numbers in the series, his performance was heavily reliant on the Lakers’ weaknesses.
The trade’s impact on Dallas cannot be overstated. The Mavericks significantly shortened their window for contention by trading away a valuable young star without receiving adequate compensation. They also lost control of several first-round picks from 2028 to 2030.
In contrast, the Lakers now have a strong foundation in Luka, with the potential to compete for championships over the next decade. This is a stark difference from their pre-Luka future, which was marred by mediocrity and play-in berths. The Mavs, on the other hand, will likely hover around the middle of the league for the foreseeable future.
While the Lakers’ failures are easy to identify, it’s clear that the Luka trade has changed the landscape for both teams. For Dallas, the move was a gamble that paid off in its desperation to get Luka. The Mavericks may not be sitting on top of the NBA hierarchy just yet, but they have laid the groundwork for a sustainable future with their young superstar.
Source: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25192142-do-lakers-failures-vs-wolves-prove-nico-harrison-was-kinda-right-about-luka-doncic