The Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers still doesn’t make a lot of sense to any NBA fan, and it caught every party involved by surprise. The Lakers weren’t expected to make any big moves around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as they didn’t want to mortgage their future for aging stars entirely.

Instead, they sent Davis out to shore up their future as part of their package to bring in Luka Doncic. Now that the major piece of their future is secured, they’re willing to do things and move pieces that they weren’t willing to do with Davis and James.


Dec 12, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) after the Mavericks defeat the Lakes at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Before the trade deadline, LA made a trade sending away Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, and a 2030 first-round pick swap to bring in Mark Williams, a young, athletic center from the Charlotte Hornets. Williams is the type of center that Doncic had enjoyed playing with in Dallas and believed it would help the offense. The trade would end up being rescinded because of a failed physical on Williams’ end, but it proved the Lakers were willing to make moves to appease Doncic.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

ESPN’s Dave McMeniman reported that LeBron James and his camp noticed that immediately. “What is clear is that Doncic will have a say. And it wasn’t lost on James’ camp, sources said, that Pelinka prioritized Doncic’s involvement upon his arrival and immediately engaged in the Williams trade that he’d asked for, when James had for years wanted the team to trade its picks to improve its roster.”

Whether that’s a good or bad thing for the team’s morale is yet to be seen. People have jokingly called LeBron James “LeGM” for trying to make moves behind the scenes, but it was Doncic’s presence that for Pelinka to go out and make a move, even if it was rescinded later.

Recapping the Mavericks’ Trade Deadline

Mavericks Receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, Caleb Martin, 2029 Lakers First-Round Pick, 2030 Second-Round Pick (team unclarified as of now)

Lakers Receive: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris

Utah Jazz Receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Mavericks Second-Round Pick, 2025 Clippers Second-Round Pick

Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Quentin Grimes, 2025 76ers Second-Round Pick