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Lakers' Luka Doncic Trade Gets Even Better After Latest Report

By Richard Louis

Jan 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic looks on from the team bench during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jan 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic looks on from the team bench during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks completely shocked the NBA world and took over every news cycle after a mega trade went down late Saturday night.

The Lakers traded Anthony Davis, Max Cristie, and a 2029 first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris.

For a player of that magnitude, this trade package was beyond surprising. Doncic made his first comments on X since landing with the Lakers, expressing his excitement to be with the purple and gold.

While Laker fans are thrilled to have Doncic on their team, the news only got better after the latest report. The Ringer's Kirk Goldsberry was a guest on the Bill Simmons podcast. On that appearance, Goldsberry revealed that the original trade package had multiple first-round picks and Dalton Knecht, but the Lakers were able to get that price tag down.

Goldsberry stated, "A deal got whittled down, and I think Rob Pelinka was able to convince the Mavs that Luka is a lot of risk… His drinking, his weight problem…”

Lakers News: Lakers Were Able to Bring Down Price Tag on Luka Doncic

It was reported that the Mavericks had massive concerns about Doncic's conditioning. It was even leaked that Doncic was approaching 270 pounds. Add in that Doncic was up for a five-year, $345 million super-max extension with the Mavs this summer.

This combination of things scared Dallas away from Doncic and fell right into the Lakers' lap. The fact that Rob Pelinka was able to convince Dallas that Doncic was the risk and retained more assets was huge.

Doncic is one of the most talented players in the league. He is an offensive juggernaut due to his playmaking ability and skillset to score from all three levels on the court. The five-time All-Star averages 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists. He has compiled 89 triple-doubles in his career and allows LeBron James to take a step back offensively.

Doncic's career-high is 73 points, which he dropped against the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 26, 2024.

Getting that type of superstar for that price is baffling, but kudos to Pelinka for getting it done.

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