The Los Angeles Lakers made a trade nobody could believe for Luka Doncic before the deadline. It gave them an in-his-prime superstar to build their roster around, but unknowingly helped the Mavericks land the number one overall pick. Dallas struggled down the stretch due to injuries before winning Monday night’s draft lottery. Somewhere Lakers fans are smiling, though.
Nico Harrison did not even shop Luka. He decided he wanted Anthony Davis and only talked to his old friend Rob Pelinka in making the deal. The Lakers absolutely fleeced Dallas in the trade. They only parted with one first-round draft pick and did not have to include Austin Reaves. It was unbelievable and could be the key to eventually adding Cooper Flagg.
The Lakers have work to do this summer, but Harrison is willing to trade anyone. It could be Flagg someday, and Los Angeles will be ready.
Cooper Flagg could end up on the Lakers after Mavericks lottery magic
Nico Harrison does not care about perception or feelings. He makes the move that he believes gives Dallas the best chance to win, whether he is right or wrong. Trading Luka Doncic just months after reaching the NBA Finals is the perfect example. He may decide to move Flagg at some point too.
The Lakers are always chasing the next star. Flagg is viewed as a generational prospect. He will hit the ground running immediately and could quickly become an All-Star. He will make an impact on both ends of the floor and create havoc on the opposition. The Lakers would love to have him flanking Luka, and it could be a reality given the history between Harrison and Pelinka.
The Lakers hope the Mavericks never fire Harrison. Pelinka took advantage once and will again. This lottery luck may have Harrison thinking he made the right move in trading Doncic, but you can’t just let one of the five best players in the world leave for a subpar return. Harrison did, and winning the lottery opens the door for someone else to take advantage.
Nobody could believe Flagg landed in Dallas. They had just a 1.8 percent chance of moving up going into the lottery, but that is why the NBA does it. Mavericks fans are ecstatic and finally have something to cheer about, but the Lakers are still laughing. Without Harrison, Los Angeles does not have Luka.
The Los Angeles Lakers need to build a contender around Luka Doncic this summer. It will be a big ask, but eventually, Cooper Flagg may be their next star. Nico Harrison has mortgaged the Mavericks' future. He got a lifeline in winning this lottery, but when Flagg looks elsewhere, the Lakers will be ready. The odds of him ending up in purple and gold just got significantly better. Lakers fans should be happy.