A new report adds more proof for why the Los Angeles Lakers trade for Luka Doncic was, arguably, the greatest steal in NBA history.
The Lakers will kick off the post-All-Star Game version of their 2024-25 NBA schedule Wednesday when they take on the Charlotte Hornets. There is a great deal of optimism surrounding the team heading into the second half. After a bumpy couple of months to end 2024, the team has played extremely well over the last 30-plus days.
Related: The 7 Best Trades In Los Angeles Lakers History
Yet, despite the roster performing better than expected, there is no bigger story in LA basketball than Luka Doncic being a member of the roster for the rest of 2025 and probably for at least the next decade. In one of the most shocking moments in NBA history, the 25-year-old was traded to the Lakers for Anthony Davis and a future first-round pick.
The Dallas Mavericks moving their top star completely caught the basketball world off guard. But the return they received for a top-three player in the world was even more shocking. It has been a major topic in the weeks since as the debate rages on who won the deal.
Well, a new report this week adds more fuel to the idea that the Los Angeles Lakers fleeced the Dallas Mavericks last month.
Many NBA execs annoyed by how little Los Angeles Lakers gave up in Luka Doncic trade
“Since the completion of the trade, other lead executives have privately vented they could have bested the Lakers’ offer. One that didn’t even include all of Los Angeles’ top chips,” The Athletic reported this week. “Their teams were left in the dark, unlike how it normally goes when a generational performer hits the market. But the way this trade went down was on brand for [Mavericks GM Nico] Harrison. Who had deliberated it with staffers in his front office for weeks.”
History will reveal whether the Lakers or Mavericks won the Luka Doncic trade. Harrison was dead set on bringing Anthony Davis to Dallas and sending out a player whose work ethic he questioned. Davis certainly looked like a great addition in his first three quarters with the Mavericks. However, his long history of getting hurt returned. And he is now sidelined for at least a month with an abductor injury.
As of today, LA general manager Rob Pelinka continues to look like a genius for somehow pulling off one of the most stunning trades in NBA history.
Related: Find out where the Los Angeles Lakers land in our latest NBA power rankings