One NBA writer has the Los Angeles Lakers as his best landing spot for Luka Doncic if the superstar ever requested a trade from the Dallas Mavericks.
Owen Crisafulli of ClutchPoints believes Doncic landing with the Lakers makes a lot of sense if things don’t work out with the Mavericks.
“The Los Angeles Lakers have always profiled as a team in desperate need of making a big move, and that still stands true even after they made some big moves at the trade deadline,” Crisafulli wrote. “Barring a stunning playoff run, the Lakers won’t be winning a title this season, which means the pressure will be on once again this upcoming offseason for them to make a big move.
“What bigger move would there be to make than going out and swinging a trade for Doncic? Chances are the Lakers will be linked to Doncic’s new partner-in-crime in Irving as well this upcoming offseason, but is it even a debate which player is better here? Irving also carries quite a bit of baggage with him too, and whereas you know what you are getting with Doncic, Irving is a total wild card.”
The Lakers would have to include Anthony Davis or LeBron James in a trade for Doncic since Luka is only 24 and already one of the best players in the NBA. The four-time All-Star averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists this season while shooting 49.6% from the field, 34.2% from beyond the arc and 74.2% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
During his end-of-the-season press conference, Doncic told Mavericks reporters he was “happy” in Dallas, but he also admitted that “something’s got to change.” The 2018-19 Rookie of the Year signed a five-year, $215.2 million designated rookie contract extension with the Mavericks in August 2021.
“Something’s got to change for sure,” Doncic said. “I mean, last year we went to Western Conference finals. We were having fun. I always talk about the chemistry we had. It was great. But something’s got to change for sure.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Mavericks were only 5-11 in games Doncic and Kyrie Irving played together this season. That was the worst winning percentage (.313) for a pair of teammates who were both All-Stars since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976-77, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
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