The NBA was stunned this week with the news that the Los Angeles Lakers had secured Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade.

In exchange, the Lakers sent five-time All-NBA power forward/center Anthony Davis to the Mavericks, along with shooting guard Max Christie and a first-round draft pick.

Even though the Lakers gave up a significant package, many fans and analysts were surprised that the Lakers managed to acquire a player of Doncic’s caliber, especially without having to part with additional future draft picks.

At just 25 years old, Doncic is already a five-time First Team All-NBA selection – surpassing even Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry, who is 11 years older – and was instrumental in leading Dallas to the NBA Finals last year, topping the league in points, rebounds, assists, and steals during the playoffs.

The Slovenian point guard, known for his exceptional talent, will now play in the iconic purple and gold jersey, teaming up with LeBron James before taking over the Lakers’ future once the 40-year-old four-time MVP retires.

Due to Doncic’s remarkable skill and potential, just last year, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal predicted that the then-Mavericks star would soon become the highest-paid player in NBA history.

“Luka Doncic is gonna be the first $90 million player,” O’Neal stated on The Big Podcast with Shaq.

However, Doncic’s move to Los Angeles may actually cost him financially. NBA players who remain with their original team for at least seven years are eligible for a “super-max” contract if they have earned an All-NBA selection in the year prior to their renewal.

Currently, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics holds the largest super-max deal ever, which will pay him $71 million in the fifth and final year of his contract.

Since Doncic is no longer with the Mavericks – who traded with the Atlanta Hawks to select him in the 2018 draft – he will not be able to secure the full super-max contract, which could result in him losing up to $115 million over the course of his next deal.

However, with the NBA’s salary cap increasing each year due to growing revenues, there remains a possibility that Doncic may still achieve the high salary O’Neal predicted, not to mention the marketing opportunities he could capitalize on in Los Angeles.