As we approach the one-month mark since the Luka Doncic trade, it’s clear the world still hasn’t recovered.
Fresh narratives have emerged, players are settling into their new roles, and the two teams involved have even squared off against each other. While it’s rare to declare a trade winner just a month in, this particular deal may defy that norm.
Or does it?
So, what has transpired during this whirlwind of activity, and what are the prospects for both teams— not just in the immediate future but also down the line?
Dallas Destruction
Starting with the creators of the trade — still shocking to believe even today — Dallas hasn’t had a great time since the trade.
To the team’s credit, post-Luka, they have found a way to win a few games, as they’re 6-7 since the trade. Max Christie‘s acquisition has been vital to the team – he’s averaging 12.9 points a night on 45% shooting from beyond the arc.
Christie has been the best acquisition for more than one reason. The “big return piece” they got for Luka, Anthony Davis, is injured and may also miss the rest of the year. He played exactly three quarters before reaggravating a groin injury against the Rockets and hasn’t played since.
While he’s been their best deadline acquisition, Kyrie Irving became the team’s No. 1 option gracefully. He averaged 28/5/4 since the trade, shooting 46% from the field and 39% from three while swiping nearly two steals a night, up from his season and career averages. The Mavs needed him to step up in a big way, and he obliged without fail, keeping them afloat.
That’s about where the positives end, however. Irving tore his ACL against the Kings and will miss the rest of the season.
Not only did they lose their franchise over the deadline, but they then traded away one of their better role players days later. Quentin Grimes is now in Philly, and his replacement, Caleb Martin, hasn’t played a minute due to injury. The energy around the franchise is practically all negative at the moment, and it’s only gotten worse.
GM Nico Harrison has spent the last month defending himself against what most would call an indefensible move. Many reports about his views on Luka’s and his lifestyle have hit the media.
- “He didn’t take care of his body.”
- “Luka enjoyed smoking and drinking beer too much.”
- “He didn’t put the work in to get skinnier.”
- “He’ll fall off in five years.”
Players like Michael Jordan also indulged in some of those activities, but the complaints are out there for everyone to see. However, people aren’t giving Nico grace, and the fans are as furious with the team as they’ve ever been.
The Dallas Mavericks are in a freefall, and no one is certain about where they will land.
A Generational Transition Period
The Lakers added to a litany of star athletes within city limits by acquiring Luka Doncic. The move catapulted them from fringe contenders to favorites to win the whole thing.
Well, on paper, anyway. Adding an MVP candidate from the year before to any team will do wonders for their standing in the league.
So far, the paper has been right and wrong. The Lakers are 11-2 since the trade, including wins over the Mavs, Nuggets, Clippers (three times), Warriors and Timberwolves.
Luka has averaged 22.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game as a Laker thus far, including a triple-double against his old friends.
Accompanying him along the way, LeBron James and Austin Reaves have been fantastic. LeBron especially has been lethal since Luka took the floor, averaging 27.2 points a night and shooting 53.4% from the field and 40.5% from three. Reaves has added 20+ points in five of eight games played alongside Luka.
On top of all this, the main concern for the Lakers post-trade was their defense, specifically their rim protection. Their last ten games have seen them sport the second-best defense in basketball, which no one saw coming after they lost AD.
So that’s what the paper got right. Now, what the paper was blindsided by was Luka’s scoring efficiency since becoming a Laker. Luka has produced, but his efficiency has been staggeringly bad. He’s good for just 40% from the field and 30% from the three-point line as a Laker.
On Feb. 27, Luka was 6/20 from the field, which included only making one wild three-ball on nine attempts.
Furthermore, although it hasn’t reared its ugly head yet, the Lakers do not have an elite presence in the paint. Jaxson Hayes has sufficed as their starting center, but how long will that continue to be the case? Especially in the Western Conference, it’s something that will be easily exploitable come playoff time.
What Of The Future?
Two teams wanting to go in the same direction in different ways – what are their outlooks? For Dallas, it’s simply a waiting game. Just get healthy and see what you have, but that may not be until next year.
Kyrie represented the last bit of rope on the fuse strapped to the Dallas Mavericks franchise, and that rope broke on Monday.
This deal has officially blown up in Nico Harrison’s face, and now, it’s clear what the Mavericks have: An injured frontcourt and a backcourt riddled with question marks.
With little room for error, Dallas is in a world of trouble. As of this article’s writing, they’re the last team in the Play-In.
As for Los Angeles, it’s clear they have atomic bomb explosivity on offense. It’s the thing that’s gotten them past three of their conference’s biggest foes. They’ve even sorted the defense out without a big-name center. Their formula for success has proven to be successful against the toughest of competition.
Right now, it’s safer to bet it can continue than to assume it will get figured out.
Leave a comment