• The Mavericks faced backlash for trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers, but both teams now face questions about the move.
• Doncic’s defensive struggles were exposed in the Lakers’ loss to the Warriors, echoing concerns from his time in Dallas.
• If Doncic and the Lakers don’t improve, initial criticisms of the trade may need to be reconsidered.

The Dallas Mavericks faced intense criticism after trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that shocked the NBA community. Just months after reaching the NBA Finals, trading a talent like Doncic seemed unimaginable. Now, recent developments suggest the Lakers might be encountering the same concerns the Mavericks dealt with during his tenure.

Postseason Concerns for the Lakers

After the Lakers’ loss to the Golden State Warriors, Doncic’s defensive issues became a focal point. Former NBA guard Jay Williams, speaking on ESPN’s “Get Up,” pointed out the impact of Doncic’s defensive liabilities. “Luka’s stock took a major hit,” Williams noted. “If you’re going to struggle defensively, you must dominate offensively.”

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Against the Warriors, Doncic underperformed offensively, scoring just 19 points on 35% shooting. Meanwhile, Golden State exploited his defense repeatedly. This had echoes of his time in Dallas, particularly during the 2024 NBA Finals, where the Celtics similarly targeted his defensive weaknesses, contributing to a gentleman’s sweep.

Does the Trade Look Different Now?

While Doncic’s shortcomings remain a concern, they don’t fully justify the Mavericks’ decision. Dallas hasn’t reached the same competitive level since the trade, suggesting the move didn’t benefit them either. However, if Doncic fails to address his defensive gaps and the Lakers don’t establish themselves as serious contenders, initial criticisms of the trade may need reevaluation.

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