Lakers trade idea sends Luka Doncic back to Mavericks for projected No. 1 overall draft pick

The NBA continues to get crazier by the day. 

From unexpected blockbuster trades to questionable coaching decisions, there’s always massive news for NBA fanatics to process.

After the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a game-changing multi-team deal in early February, and the Mavericks shockingly won the NBA draft lottery on Monday night, many are on the edge of their seats as they await the next groundbreaking NBA move. 

Former NHL star Mike Modano recently proposed a bold trade involving Doncic and the projected No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. 

"(Cooper) Flagg for Luka straight up,” Modano wrote on X/Twitter Monday. 

Flagg is an exceptional NBA prospect. An individual would have to look long and hard to identify a concerning aspect of Flagg’s game. Flagg, who’s a matchup nightmare for smaller defenders in the low post and slow-footed defenders on the perimeter, can do it all on the hardwood. 

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When the Duke product isn’t flaunting his off-the-dribble shot-creating skills or using his above-the-rim athleticism to finish around the basket, he’s getting after it as an on-and-off-ball defender. 

Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game in 37 collegiate contests, connecting on 48.1% of his field goals and 38.5% of his three-point jumpers.

Likewise, Doncic is a high-IQ player who can positively alter games when he’s at his best. Although the former top-10 draft pick has only played in 33 clashes with the Lakers, he’s given the fan base plenty of hope for the future. 

The tactical 6-foot-6 point guard averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists with Los Angeles this year, shooting 43.8% from the field and 37.9% from three on a Lakers squad that exited the postseason after the first round. 

Modano’s trade idea may receive ample attention, but there’s no way the Lakers would entertain the thought.

Besides, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon recently reported that the Mavericks don’t plan on trading the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, laying all speculation to rest.

More NBA: Lakers could pair Luka Doncic with Duke freshman phenom via future trade, per writer