Mavericks-Lakers Luka Doncic trade named biggest NBA mistake of the decade

The Luka Doncic trade remains an unbelievable calamity. The Dallas Mavericks gave up on a franchise superstar at 25 years old, despite just coming off a run to the NBA Finals, and gave him to the Los Angeles Lakers basically for free.

It's a decision that continues to baffle NBA executives and analysts. The Lakers looked dead in the water for the post-Lebron James era, whenever that happens, but they were gifted life in the addition of Doncic. And all they had to give up was an aging and oft-injured Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick.

Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during team introductions before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

So, when ESPN's Zach Kram put together a list of the biggest mistakes for each franchise since 2020 and ranked them by how big of a mistake it was, there was no doubt that the Luka Doncic trade was the biggest.

"Because the Mavericks' post-Doncic collapse in the 2024-25 season meant they ended up in the lottery, where they miraculously lucked into the No. 1 pick and Cooper Flagg, their future looks brighter than that of the Suns, Bucks, Nets or Kings. Flagg and Anthony Davis -- the centerpiece of Dallas' return for Doncic -- could lead Dallas back to contention with speed.

"But only one transaction this century was so surprising that it sparked questions about whether ESPN's Shams Charania's social media account been hacked when he reported it. Only one transaction was so absurd that it became a flashbulb memory, and fans across the world will remember, for decades to come, where they were when they learned the news. Only one transaction, most of all, was so outrageous that it sparked a mass revolt from its fan base.

"That, more than anything else, is why the Doncic trade ranks No. 1: It transcended typical transaction reactions and penetrated the very heart of sports fandom. That takes a special sort of once-in-a-century mistake."

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