Mavericks' lackluster return for Luka Doncic helped Lakers make second massive trade

Nico Harrison's refusal to get more in return for Luka Doncic helped the Lakers upgrade - AGAIN.

Feb 4, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic poses for photos with general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

As soon as the trade sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers was announced, everyone immediately knew it was a bad trade for the Dallas Mavericks. Just beyond trading away a 25-year-old megastar in Doncic, the return they got of Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick felt lackluster. And that's because it was.

Reports have come out since that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka was able to talk Nico Harrison down from the initial trade offer that included their 2031 first-round pick and 2024 first-rounder Dalton Knecht. And since the Lakers were able to save those assets, they were able to put them into another massive trade to upgrade their roster.

READ MORE: Daniel Gafford hurt emotionally after Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to Lakers

Jan 24, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) holds the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

On Wednesday night/Thursday morning, the Lakers swung a trade, sending Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, that unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 first-round pick swap to the Charlotte Hornets for the young, athletic Mark Williams. This pairs Luka Doncic with the type of vertical center that he's become accustomed to playing with in Dallas.

Just In: The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/QGUwETssGd

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025

Had Nico Harrison done everything he could to maximize his returns, the Lakers wouldn't have had any moves to make. Even if this is an overpay for a player of Mark Williams' caliber, it upgrades their roster and provides a player alongside Doncic he wants to play with, making them more dangerous for the playoffs.

READ MORE: Lakers may trade away former Mavericks forward from Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade

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