The Los Angeles Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic on the February commerce deadline marked one of the crucial important strikes of the 2024-25 NBA season. The blockbuster cope with the Dallas Mavericks despatched Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round choose to Dallas in change for the All-NBA guard. But regardless of the magnitude of the transfer, the Lakers managed to carry onto key future belongings — most notably their 2031 first-round choose.
In line with a report from The Athletic’s Jovan Buha and Sam Amick, uncertainty surrounding Doncic’s long-term dedication to Dallas weakened the Mavericks’ leverage in commerce negotiations. League sources cited within the report stated this uncertainty was the first purpose the Lakers prevented together with their 2031 first-round choose within the deal, as a substitute sending Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round choose to Dallas.
Dwight Howard commerce fallout informs Lakers’ cautious method with Luka Doncic deal
The commerce occurred because the Lakers, coming off inconsistent play within the early a part of the season, regarded to reshape their roster round LeBron James and a second franchise cornerstone. In Doncic, Los Angeles acquired one of many league’s premier offensive skills whereas sidestepping the type of asset-heavy deal that had beforehand hampered the group’s flexibility.
The franchise reportedly realized from previous experiences, notably the 2012 acquisition of Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic. Howard performed only one season in Los Angeles earlier than signing with the Houston Rockets in free company, leaving the Lakers depleted of belongings with no long-term return. That scenario is believed to have knowledgeable the Lakers’ extra measured method within the Doncic negotiations.
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Regardless of the warning, the Lakers stay absolutely dedicated to conserving Doncic in purple and gold for the foreseeable future. The Athletic’s report states that the group is keen to accommodate no matter contract construction Doncic prefers. The 26-year-old may play out his present deal and decide out after the 2025-26 season, re-signing for 5 years and $296 million, or signal elsewhere for a most of 4 years and $219 million.
Doncic powers LakeShow resurgence as LeBron James weighs deeper sacrifice for future
Doncic thrived in his new setting. Over 28 regular-season video games with Los Angeles, he averaged 28.2 factors, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per sport, capturing 43.8% from the sphere and 37.9% from three-point vary. His efficiency helped the Lakers safe the No. 3 seed within the Western Convention. Within the playoffs, Doncic elevated his manufacturing additional, averaging 30.2 factors, seven rebounds, and 5.8 assists per sport in a first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The report additionally make clear LeBron James’ future, suggesting the 40-year-old may take a bigger pay minimize within the offseason to assist the Lakers preserve roster flexibility. James accepted a $2.7 million low cost final summer season to help with luxurious tax issues, and additional monetary sacrifice may assist constructing a stronger supporting forged round him and Doncic because the staff seems forward to the 2025-26 marketing campaign.
The Lakers’ capacity to land Doncic with out sacrificing their future hinges on a mixture of timing, technique, and long-term planning — a uncommon convergence in an period of aggressive star trades.