Lakers Trade For Luka Doncic Originally Included Larger Return For Mavericks: Report

Dec 25, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and Minnesota Timberwolves center and Rudy Gobert (27) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers orchestrated one of the most lopsided trades in NBA history when the franchise acquired Luka Doncic, Markieff Morris, and Max Kleber in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick.

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According to NBA insider Kirk Goldsberry, the trade originally included other Lakers' assets but general manager Rob Pelinka was able to convince the Dallas Mavericks to accept less.

The Doncic, Davis trade originally included multiple first-round picks and rookie Dalton Knecht.

“One of my sources was indicating that the deal was bigger," Goldsberry said on The Bill Simmons Podcast. "There were two firsts and there was Dalton Knecht. A deal got whittled down, and I think Rob Pelinka was able to convince the Dallas Mavericks that Luka is a lot of risk… His drinking, his weight problem…They were able to convince it, this was a weeks-long process.

REPORT: The Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade originally included multiple firsts and Dalton Knecht, per @kirkgoldsberry

“A deal got whittled down, and I think Rob Pelinka was able to convince the Mavs that Luka is a lot of risk… His drinking, his weight problem…”

(via Bill… pic.twitter.com/QjmmBWvjpx

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 3, 2025

"Dallas started it, this fell in Rob Pelinka's lap. And then he was able to reduce the outward Lakers' assets. Mikal Bridges was able to command five first-round picks.”

The monumental trade shocked the basketball world and many fans wondered how the Mavericks could let go of the face of their franchise for such little in return. Yes, Dallas received one of the best bigs in the league with Davis. But there was not much else in the trade package to benefit the Mavericks.

When Pelinka publicly spoke about the trade, it was evident he understood the greatness of Doncic. And it had many people speculating whether Doncic's conditioning issues was such a severe problem for the Mavericks to let him go.

“Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come,” Pelinka said in the statement. “His killer instincts and commitment to winning championships will be a driving force for the team. We will be relentless in building a roster around the oncourt vision Coach Redick has for this basketball team and there is an unwavering commitment to that work to serve our loyal and dedicated fans. We are grateful for today and look forward to what’s next.”

More Lakers news:

Lakers Announce Official Introduction Date for Luka Doncic

Lakers Give Anthony Davis Emotional Sendoff With Tribute Video

Nico Harrison Addresses Fans After Trading Luka Doncic to Lakers

Luka Doncic Father Slams Mavs Following Trade to Lakers

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