When the Mavericks sent Luka Dončić to Los Angeles, the move stunned the basketball world. Dončić was not only the face of the Mavericks, but also one of the league’s brightest young superstars.

However, Mavericks’ General Manager, Nico Harrison, had a vision: he believed that building around defensive anchor Anthony Davis, alongside Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, would give Dallas a more balanced, championship-caliber roster.

Harrison has been forthright about the backlash, admitting, “I did know that Luka was important to the fan base. I didn't quite know it to what level.” He has also emphasized the importance of defense in winning titles, suggesting that Davis’s presence would elevate the Mavericks’ ceiling.

“We feel that's a championship-caliber team and we would have been winning at a high level, and that would have quieted some of the outrage,” Harrison said, though he acknowledged that injuries derailed those plans.

Doncic’s Playoff Frustration in Los Angeles

For the Lakers, Dončić’s arrival was electrifying. He averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in the regular season, immediately establishing himself as the team’s engine and a fan favorite.

Dončić’s playmaking and scoring prowess helped the Lakers secure the West’s third seed and injected new life into the franchise’s championship aspirations. Yet, the postseason exposed familiar flaws.

Despite Dončić’s individual brilliance, the Lakers fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. The series highlighted Los Angeles’ lack of interior defense and depth, especially after trading away Anthony Davis.

Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert dominated the paint, and the Lakers’ supporting cast struggled to step up, raising questions about whether Dončić alone can carry a team to the promised land.

Can Doncic Be a Champion With the Lakers?

The Lakers’ early exit has fueled speculation about the team’s future, particularly with LeBron James contemplating retirement. The big question: can Dončić be the centerpiece of a championship team, especially if LeBron departs?

Dončić has already proven he can lead a deep playoff run—he took Dallas to the NBA Finals just last season—but the Lakers’ roster construction will need to change. Surrounding Dončić with strong defenders, reliable shooters, and a true center will be critical if Los Angeles hopes to return to title contention.

For Nico Harrison, the verdict on the trade is still pending. Injuries prevented his defensive vision for Dallas from materializing, while Dončić’s Lakers have not yet reached the NBA mountaintop.

Both franchises now face pivotal offseasons: Dallas must get healthy and maximize their new core, while the Lakers must retool around Dončić and possibly without LeBron.