Anything is possible. Literally. After ESPN's Sham Charania reported that the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, fans, players, and analysts around the league were at a loss for words. Did the Mavericks seriously just trade the 25-year-old face of the franchise who led them to an NBA Finals appearance less than a year ago?
Doncic was arguably one of the few untouchable players in the league. Not many players will accomplish as much as Doncic has in seven and a half seasons in their entire careers. The generational talent is a five-time All-Star, a five-time All-NBA First Teamer, a scoring champ, and Rookie of the Year.
Nevertheless, Mavericks' General Manager Nico Harrison felt the 31-year-old Davis would be a better fit in Dallas. Besides acquiring Davis, the Mavs will add wing Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. Alongside Luka, Dallas sent Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to Los Angeles. The Utah Jazz were included as a third team in this mega-trade. Utah acquired Lakers' guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and two 2025 second-round picks.
There's so much to unpack it's almost impossible to do in one sitting. However, if there's one key takeaway, it's how this article was prefaced—anything is possible. That means, despite the months of pessimism surrounding possible Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic trades, both players suddenly feel capable of being traded.
The Luka Doncic trade proves the sky's the limit
The latter's inclusion in a subsequent trade now feels far more likely. The Lakers, who have shown interest in Vucevic, are now without a starting center. Los Angeles' frontcourt will consist of LeBron James, Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, and Christian Koloko. Of the eight aforementioned players—three are big men. Of the three big men, one is injured, one is a career reserve, and the other has appeared in only 84 career games.
The Lakers' need for a new starting big is consequential. Following the league-altering trade, Rob Pelinka may dangle Hachimura, Vanderbilt, or even Austin Reaves as trade bait. The 6-foot-8 Hachimura makes the most financial sense in a swap for Vooch. The 26-year-old is earning over $35 million combined this season and next. With Rui included, the Lakers must only add $3 million more to facilitate such a trade. For example, Los Angeles could pair Wood with Hachimura to acquire Vucevic.
While Vucevic could be the Lakers' primary trade target, acquiring Doncic likely means LaVine is off the table. The athletic swingman is a bit redundant after Los Angeles added an All-Star guard ahead of the trade deadline.
However, although Los Angeles no longer poses as a reasonable destination for the 29-year-old swingman, there's a growing belief that LaVine could be sent anywhere. After Doncic was abruptly sent to the City of Angels, there's no telling where the Bulls might jettison their two-time All-Star.