[BobbyStrawberry]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

Doncic had a biiiiiig extension coming up. If the Mavs had questions about his availability, that could be what put them over the edge.

It's a very strange trade, but I can kind of see the motivations from both teams standpoint.

Lakers need a new face of the franchise after Lebron, and the Mavs need a dominating big man and financial flexibility.

At least the Mavs have Kyrie, who's skill-set kind of overlaps with Luca (for now). Lakers massively upgrade their guard position, but leave a huge black hole defensively, and at the Center spot.

Both players have had durability issues over the years.

I can't even guess how this may effect each team for the rest of this season.

Word is the Lakers will be trading for a center before the deadline.

And I think you're right - if the Mavs didn't have Kyrie there is no way they do this trade, even with Doncic's conditioning and attitude issues.

My guess, for this season anyway (assuming Doncic comes back and plays) that the Lakers will get a bit better, Mavs will be about the same.