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This trade stands out as an anomaly in the NBA. Teams are usually vying to hold onto MVP-caliber players rather than seeking to move on from them. Yet, the Mavericks apparently decided they wanted to take a new direction with their roster without any prior indications of unhappiness from Dončić or leaks suggesting he was on the trading block.
Lakers: Winners of the Trade
From the Lakers' side, acquiring Luka Dončić is nothing short of a coup. The franchise has now added one of the brightest young stars in the league to their roster, effectively revitalizing their future prospects. With Dončić joining, the Lakers are positioned much better than they were just a day before. Analyzing the deal, it’s clear that Los Angeles has underpaid for a player who can change the team’s fortunes.