Introduction

One year ago, the NBA was turned upside down as the Dallas Mavericks made the shocking decision to trade superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. This monumental deal, which also included Maxi Kleber heading to LA in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round draft pick, not only altered the fortunes of both franchises but also sent shockwaves throughout the league. In the aftermath of this trade, we can speculate how different the NBA landscape would have looked had the Mavericks retained Dončić. Below, we delve into ten significant ways the league could have diverged from its current trajectory if the Mavs had never let go of their prized playmaker.

1. A Different Future for Dallas

After trading away Dončić, the Mavericks spiraled into the lottery, subsequently winning the chance to draft highly sought-after prospect Cooper Flagg. Before the trade, Dallas was not far removed from an NBA Finals appearance, with Dončić averaging 28.9 points and 8.1 assists during the postseason. The stark contrast between the potential they relinquished and the path they chose cannot be understated. Had they kept Luka and the supporting cast tailored around him, the Mavericks would likely still be contenders for the title and, in all likelihood, Nico Harrison would still have a job.

2. Harrison's Departure

Nico Harrison, the architect of this unfathomable trade, faced the inevitable consequences of the backlash it generated. With fans bewildered and outraged at the decision to trade away one of the greatest talents, Harrison attempted to justify the move by emphasizing defensive strategy and questioning Dončić's physical condition. However, as the backlash grew, it became clear that Harrison’s narrative was untenable, leading to his dismissal earlier this season. Had he trusted his prior success in building a team around Luka, his position would likely have been secure.

3. The Lottery Dream

Had Dončić remained in Dallas and maintained his health, the Mavs were poised for a strong finish during the 2024-25 season—potentially avoiding the lottery altogether. Being placed in a position to draft Flagg was a fortunate twist of fate, but the Mavs could have been competing at a high level instead. Other franchises, such as the Utah Jazz or Washington Wizards, who were also positioned for a high draft pick, would have seen drastically altered futures had they secured a talent like Flagg.

4. The Lakers' Identity Shift

With Luka on the roster, the Lakers’ identity would have undergone a significant transformation. Luka, being six years younger than Anthony Davis and 14 years younger than LeBron James, was positioned to take over as the face of the franchise, overshadowing both veterans. The dynamics of the team would have shifted substantially, with the younger star being viewed as the true leader.

5. Fluctuating Contender Prospects

Prior to the Luka trade, the duo of LeBron and Anthony Davis faced significant challenges in maintaining a contender's status within the league. If Luka had been on the team, the Lakers would likely have had a well-rounded trio capable of creating formidable matchups against other elite teams. Instead, they were left to contend with a 2.0 net rating and questionable playoff prospects.

6. Shifting Trade Market Dynamics

The trade that enabled Luka to join the Lakers drastically altered the dynamics in L.A. If the Mavericks had refrained from parting with him, it stands to reason that the Lakers might have seen Anthony Davis traded elsewhere. The seeking of assets for an aging star not performing to the level expected could have shifted the entire focus of the Lakers' roster decisions, potentially down another path entirely.

7. Playoff Performance and Impact

With a Luka-led Mavericks squad, the chances of advancing past the playoffs were significantly increased. The previous postseason performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder showcased just how dominantly Luka could perform, averaging 24.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.7 assists in their series. No other player could repeatedly probe the Thunder’s defense in such a manner, and his absence changed much of the postseason narrative.

8. Kyrie Irving's Burden

The Mavericks’ fate became further entwined when Kyrie Irving's injury prevented him from supporting the team’s campaign shortly after Luka's trade. If Dončić had been on the roster, Irving’s contributions would have likely combined to create a legitimate playoff threat. The burden on Kyrie's shoulders grew significantly post-trade, and his subsequent injury shifts a potentially competitive season into one of rebuilding.

9. The Lakers' Future Post-LeBron

With Dončić leading the charge, the Lakers would avoid a bleak future reminiscent of the post-Kobe Bryant era. Instead of being anchored by aging superstars, they would have a generational talent capable of leading them into a new era, with pathways for the Lakers franchise remaining bright.

10. The Trade's Long-term Implications

In hindsight, Harrison's decision to trade Luka Dončić reflects the unpredictable nature of NBA personnel management. The organizational consequences of that decision resonate well beyond the hardwood, potentially shifting the very course of two of the league's most storied franchises. Whether he would have sought trade avenues elsewhere for a different palette of players is purely speculative, but what is clear is the impact this move has had.

Conclusion

The ripple effects of Luka Dončić's trade to the Los Angeles Lakers have led to significant changes across the NBA landscape. The ramifications of this transaction go beyond just the present standings; they shape the futures of both teams involved and even influence upward trajectories of others in the league. While we can only speculate on what might have been, the analysis presents a compelling look into how one trading decision can profoundly alter the course of professional basketball across the seasons ahead.