Share Video
The Lakers acquired Doncic (calf), Maxi Kleber (foot) and Markieff Morris on Saturday as part of a three-team deal involving the Mavericks and Jazz, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. The Mavericks received Anthony Davis (abdomen), Max Christie and the Lakers' 2029 first-round draft pick, while Utah received Jalen Hood-Schifino (hamstring) and two 2025 second-round draft picks.
Doncic has been out of action since suffering a left calf strain Christmas Day, but recent reports had suggested that he was on track to return before the All-Star break. His trade to the Lakers is a shocking development, as Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com relays that the Mavericks' motivation to move the 25-year-old superstar was due to the concerns about his conditioning issues and the upcoming supermax contract he would have been eligible for during the upcoming offseason. Though Doncic no longer eligible for the supermax as a result of the trade, the Lakers will almost certainly look to retain him on a shorter-term extension, assuming the organization is satisfied with how he fits in once he's ready to play. Doncic's fantasy outlook shouldn't change dramatically for the worse or the better with the move to Los Angeles, where he'll continue to operate as the centerpiece of the offense while trading one high-usage teammate (Kyrie Irving) for another (LeBron James).
