That truth would possibly look like a technicality to some, as Dončić is extensively anticipated to decide to a long-term Lakers future sooner or later. However the Lakers realized a very long time in the past that star gamers don’t at all times resolve to stay round, as they traded with Orlando for Dwight Howard in the summertime of 2012 solely to see him head to Houston in free company a 12 months later. And when it got here to the Mavericks-Lakers commerce talks that led to the deal, league and group sources say Dončić’s unsure long-term standing was the first purpose the Lakers had been capable of keep away from giving up their 2031 first-round decide within the deal (Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first went to Dallas). -via New York Occasions / Might 2, 2025
