We’ve now had a few days to digest the unthinkable trade between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Doncic was officially introduced as a member of the squad Tuesday morning by general manager Rob Pelinka. Those supporting the purple and gold watched eagerly as Doncic diplomatically shot down the rumor that he wasn’t going to accept a super-max deal with the Mavs (had it been offered).
With Anthony Davis out injured, Max Christie made his Dallas debut — going 5-for-8 from the field for 15 points. Christie also grabbed 9 rebounds for good measure. He quickly endeared himself to an embattled fanbase that is highly fragile at the moment.
Having said all of that…who won this controversial trade?
Let’s break it down.
Los Angeles Lakers Grade: A+
The most mystifying thing about this trade involves the fact that Dallas came to LA reportedly with this deal.
When a 5-time First Team All-NBA player falls into your lap at age 25, you jump at the opportunity and worry about everything else later.
By adding Doncic, the Lakers just acquired the face of their franchise for at least the next decade. In the process, LA dealt an injury-prone center six years older, a good young guard, and only one of their first-round picks. The fact LA got Doncic without relinquishing more draft capital is quite fortuitous. Not having to trade Austin Reaves and/or Dalton Knecht was also a real stroke of genius by Pelinka.
There are those with some concerns about Doncic and his conditioning. There are no questions about his competitiveness, and by dealing him out of nowhere, you’re now getting a player who will be highly motivated to prove Dallas wrong. He’s also slotted next to LeBron James, where Doncic can learn about proper nutrition and taking care of his body.
This was a Grand Slam trade for LA. Suddenly, the post-LeBron era doesn’t look nearly as scary as it once did.
Dallas Mavericks Trade Grade: C-
There are two ways to analyze this trade for the Mavericks.
One grade can be attributed to this trade in the interim. For the next two years, Dallas could be in a position to be a real title contender. Davis is the best two-way player in the league, and being able to play alongside Daniel Gafford/Dereck Lively gives the Mavericks an exceptionally gifted defensive frontcourt.
At the same time, the risk with his deal is paramount.
Davis is about to be 32 years of age. The same can be said for Kyrie Irving. Both of these guys have traditionally been unstable for various reasons. They’re also both used to be sidekicks to bigger players (ironically James and Doncic). Now, Davis and Irving will be thrust into these big roles.
The decision to trade Doncic might be looked back years from now as the worst trade in the history of the league. Doncic is a true alpha and led the Mavs to the NBA Finals despite playing on one leg. He’s about to turn 26 years old, and there’s a world where we haven’t seen the prime of his career despite him already making five all-NBA teams by age 26.
The fans are not happy — as a makeshift shrine has been built in front of the team’s stadium by disgruntled supporters. Thousands have already canceled season ticket reservations in the wake of Doncic leaving.
If Dallas can’t win a ring within the next two years, Nico Harrison should unequivocally lose his job. It’s a major gamble he made…and on the surface, it doesn’t appear as if he’ll come out on top.
