It seems like the Dallas Mavericks just can’t shake off the regret of handing the Los Angeles Lakers a generational superstar in Luka Doncic. The trade that sent Doncic to L.A. is still haunting them, with both the media and Mavs fans relentlessly criticizing the move. The backlash has been intense, bordering on over-the-top frustration, as the team struggles to move forward from what many consider a colossal misstep.
But let’s take a step back—what did the Mavericks actually get in return? Well, they didn’t walk away empty-handed. In exchange for Doncic, they acquired 31-year-old superstar big man Anthony Davis, promising young 3-and-D wing Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick. Sounds like a fair deal on paper, right? Unfortunately for Dallas, things haven’t gone according to plan. Davis barely had a chance to make an impact before suffering an adductor strain in his very first game with the Mavs, sidelining him for several weeks. And to make matters worse, big man Daniel Gafford is also out for at least six weeks with a sprained MCL, per ESPN. So now, the Mavericks are left scrambling, shorthanded, and still licking their wounds over the trade.
Despite the roster setbacks, Dallas managed to pull off an impressive 111-107 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, thanks to a jaw-dropping 42-point performance by Kyrie Irving. It was a statement game, proving that even without Doncic, the Mavs have firepower. But what really caught people’s attention was head coach Jason Kidd’s post-game comments. While discussing the team’s offensive flow, he hinted that there would now be “more shots” available for their players. Was that a subtle dig at Doncic’s sky-high usage rate? Maybe.
Speaking of Doncic’s usage rate, it’s no secret that he dominates the ball. This season, he’s carrying a massive 33.0% usage rate. But here’s the thing—he makes every possession count. He’s not just a high-volume scorer; he’s an elite passer with incredible court vision and an uncanny ability to elevate his teammates’ play. Sure, he commands the ball a lot, but it’s hard to argue with the results when he’s putting up big numbers night after night.
And then there’s the controversy surrounding Doncic’s fitness and conditioning. Just a few days ago, Mavs majority owner Patrick Dumont took a public shot at Doncic, questioning his fitness levels and implying that his conditioning issues played a role in the trade decision. That’s a bold claim, especially considering how dominant Doncic has been in Los Angeles. If anything, it feels like an attempt to justify what’s increasingly looking like a questionable trade for Dallas.
Maybe it’s time for the Mavericks to move on. They made their choice, and there’s no going back. Let’s not forget—it wasn’t the Lakers who came knocking for this deal. Reports suggest that it was Dallas who approached L.A. about making the trade, not the other way around. Now, they have to live with the consequences.
Sure, Davis (when healthy) is still a top-tier talent, and Christie has potential, but replacing someone of Doncic’s caliber is near impossible. The Mavs can either keep lamenting what they lost, or they can focus on what they have and build towards the future. If they keep dwelling on their past decisions, it’s only going to make the road ahead that much tougher.
The question remains—will this trade define the Mavericks' future, or will they find a way to rewrite the narrative? Only time will tell, but for now, the regret lingers, and the Luka-sized shadow over Dallas isn't going away anytime soon.
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