Lakers writer reveals 'hidden downside' of historic Luka Doncic trade

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off the most lopsided trade in NBA history on Feb. 2. 

In the blockbuster deal, the Lakers received Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris; the Dallas Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers’ 2020 first-round pick; and the Utah Jazz received Jalen Hood Schifino, the Los Angeles Clippers' 2025 second-round pick, and the Mavericks' 2025 second-round pick. 

While Doncic has been a revelation for the Lakers thus far, Lake Show Life’s Dan Favale recently revealed the 'hidden downside' of the historic early-February transaction.

“The Los Angeles Lakers absolutely swindled the Dallas Mavericks in the Luka Doncic trade,” Favale wrote Thursday. “There is no debating the extent to which they robbed them. 

“In doing so, though, the Lakers also made it harder for themselves to swing trades now, and over the offseason. Because having Doncic nukes the value of their future draft picks. Selling teams want to procure first-rounders with higher upside, particularly when they spill so far into the future.”

“The Lakers’ draft selections carried that mystique this time last year. They no longer have it now. Just look at where the Lakers are this season as proof. They have a less-than-perfect roster, and are still tracking toward a bottom-five draft pick.”

“Sure, a lot can happen between now and 2031, the earliest the Lakers can currently convey a first-round pick. But at just 26, Doncic is not nearly deep enough into his prime to see Los Angeles’ fortunes going awry over the next half-decade or so.”

Simply put, with the Lakers’ ceiling being higher than ever with Doncic in the fold, it wouldn’t be easy to complete franchise-elevating deals with franchises in the foreseeable future. 

Trades are a two-way street. Both teams involved want to ensure they receive assets that can improve their respective rosters. With it being nearly impossible to entice organizations with low-value draft picks, the Lakers will undoubtedly struggle on the trade market in the years to come. 

That said, no question that acquiring Doncic was the right move for Los Angeles. The point guard position is arguably the most vital, making Los Angeles' decision to promptly identify their point guard of the future a wise one. 

In other words, Los Angeles still has every right to be excited about what the future holds for Doncic and the Lakers.

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