While Luka Dončić — now donning purple and gold — continues to chase a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team he left behind finds itself in reflection mode.
The gamble made by GM Nico Harrison to trade a generational superstar and perennial MVP candidate just starting his prime for an aging and injury-prone Anthony Davis seemingly out of nowhere has sparked intense debate. And now, with Dallas back in the lottery and Dončić thriving under the Hollywood lights, the contrast is impossible to ignore.
Lakers Surging, Mavericks Searching for Identity
Since the stunning deal that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers in February, the two franchises have charted drastically different courses. The Lakers have revitalized their title aspirations with a reinvigorated Dončić running the show.
The Lakers’ taking advantage of Harrison’s flabbergasting process to pluck Luka has already paid off. Within a few months, they’ve gone from aging playoff afterthoughts to legitimate title contenders. Dončić has embraced the pressure, leading a high-powered offense alongside a spirited LeBron James and a rejuvenated supporting cast.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks struggled to establish rhythm all season following the trade. Despite flashes from new acquisitions and growth from young pieces, their lack of a true offensive engine showed during their Play-In Tournament loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Without Dončić’s ability to bend defenses at will, the Mavericks found themselves exposed, especially in crunch time, where creation dried up.
According to Harrison himself, the trade was predicated on two things: defense and conditioning.
Apparently, the Dallas executive felt that Dončić’s defensive deficiencies and exhaustion in last year’s Finals against the Boston Celtics were the primary aspects holding back the Mavs from hoisting the Larry O’Brien once again — Luka’s torrid run leading up to the 2023 Finals be damned. It was only salt to injury each time Davis got injured or had a health scare.
The Lakers racing up the standings behind a strong team defense also viciously highlighted the irony. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon noted that
“internally, there’s frustration about the timing of the move — some felt the team could’ve competed for a top-four seed with Luka and a healthier frontcourt.”
A Lottery Pick and a Chance to Recalibrate
Still, all is not lost in Dallas. Their Play-In exit secured them a spot in the 2025 NBA Draft lottery. Not only did they guarantee themselves a slim chance at drawing the number one pick, and, presumptively, Duke’s Cooper Flagg, but the Mavericks received some good news for the first time in a long time following their Play-In defeat.
They actually tied with the Chicago Bulls for the 11th-worst record in the NBA. Because of that, the league had to do a drawing for a tie-breaker, and Dallas came out on top, giving them the 11th-best odds in the lottery and the draft overall. It’s a chance to reset the franchise’s trajectory and recommit to a long-term rebuild centered around youth, spacing, and defensive identity.
While the sting of watching Dončić thrive elsewhere may linger, the Mavericks’ future isn’t devoid of promise. A strong draft, perhaps with a stroke of luck, and renewed health for AD and Kyrie Irving could position Dallas to re-emerge as a force in the West as early as next season. The road won’t be easy, but in the NBA, all it takes is one right pick to change everything.
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