The Doncic Trade: A Mavericks Nightmare Unfolds as Lakers Soar
The hypothetical trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, once a potentially intriguing "what if" scenario, has morphed into a harsh reality for the Dallas Mavericks. While the initial optics of such a transaction were undeniably troubling, the current landscape, as the NBA playoffs loom, paints an even grimmer picture for the Mavericks and their fanbase.
The Lakers, fueled by Doncic’s arrival, are surging in the Western Conference standings. They’ve climbed to a tie for second place, showcasing a legitimate championship contender. In stark contrast, the Mavericks are spiraling downwards, their descent accelerated by a crippling wave of injuries that have decimated their roster.
The most devastating blow came with the news of Kyrie Irving’s season-ending torn ACL in his left knee, an injury sustained during a lopsided loss to the Sacramento Kings. Irving, the Mavericks’ key acquisition intended to complement Doncic, was the sole player consistently delivering elite performances and keeping the team within striking distance of a postseason berth.
However, Irving is not alone on the injured list. Anthony Davis, acquired alongside Irving in the trade, has been sidelined since the third quarter of his debut game in a Dallas uniform. Furthermore, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Caleb Martin are all currently unavailable due to various injuries.
Injuries are an unavoidable part of professional basketball. However, the sheer volume and severity of the Mavericks’ injuries, particularly Irving’s absence, have severely hampered their ability to compete. Their chances of replicating last year’s NBA Finals appearance, a run largely propelled by Doncic’s brilliance, now seem virtually nonexistent.
Even before Irving’s injury, the Mavericks’ outlook was far from optimistic. While the NBA has witnessed a trend of different teams reaching the Finals in recent years, since the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty, the loss of an All-Star caliber player like Irving for the final 20 games of the season significantly diminishes their prospects.
Irving, a nine-time All-Star, was enjoying another exceptional season, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals. He displayed remarkable efficiency, shooting 47.3% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc, and 91.6% from the free-throw line.
The injury also casts a shadow over Irving’s future, specifically the 2025-26 season. Recovering from a torn ACL is a demanding and lengthy process, and Irving will be 33 years old in March. The recovery timeline is significant, as evidenced by Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, who missed the entire 2021-22 season after tearing his ACL late in the 2020-21 season.
Even if Davis manages to return from his strained left adductor, the Mavericks are precariously holding onto a play-in spot. They currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference, just one game behind the Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and Minnesota Timberwolves, 1.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors, and 3.5 games ahead of the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns, despite their own struggles and inconsistency, could potentially mount a late-season charge and overtake the Mavericks, further jeopardizing their postseason aspirations. The Mavericks’ misfortunes provide a sense of relief for teams like the Clippers, Kings, Timberwolves, and Warriors, potentially easing their path to the playoffs in a highly competitive Western Conference.
The Lakers’ resurgence further exacerbates the Mavericks’ predicament. The Dallas fanbase, already reeling from the decision to trade Doncic, is understandably frustrated. The Mavericks’ performance will inevitably be measured against the success of the Lakers and Doncic.
The Lakers are thriving post-trade. Just under two months ago, they held a 20-17 record and occupied the seventh spot in the standings, only two games ahead of the 11th-place Warriors and Suns. A couple of losses could have seen them tumble out of the play-in picture.
However, since then, the Lakers have been on a tear, posting an impressive 18-4 record, including 10-2 since the Doncic trade and 6-2 with Doncic in the lineup. In his initial eight games for the Lakers, Doncic has averaged 22.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, while gradually recovering from a calf injury that kept him sidelined for an extended period. He delivered stellar performances in victories against the Clippers, scoring 31 and 29 points, respectively.
Doncic, at 26 years old, appears to have revitalized LeBron James, who at the age of 40, is still showcasing his dominance. Since the trade, James is averaging 27.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, while boasting impressive shooting splits of 54.1% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range.
While missing the postseason would be a disappointment for the Mavericks, an even worse scenario would be the Lakers securing the No. 2 seed and the Mavericks landing at No. 7, resulting in a first-round playoff matchup where Doncic could potentially dismantle his former team.
Even if one aligns with Mavericks president of basketball operations/general manager Nico Harrison’s long-term vision that the team couldn’t win a championship with Doncic, the short-term consequences are undeniably painful for the team and its devoted fans.
This pain is only intensifying as the Lakers continue to ascend and the Mavericks grapple with injuries and losses. The Doncic trade, initially a contentious topic, has become a source of profound regret and frustration for the Mavericks organization and their fanbase. The future remains uncertain, but the present is undeniably bleak.
