The Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic before this year’s trade deadline remains one of the most talked-about events in sports, not just the NBA. Mavericks fans have struggled with the emotional impact of losing their franchise player while watching their team tumble down the Western Conference standings.

Since the trade, Dallas has posted an 8-14 record and now finds itself outside the Play-In Tournament picture. Meanwhile, the Lakers have surged up the standings, sitting just a half-game behind third place in the West. If things go as expected, they should at least secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. That’s the difference a player like Luka Doncic makes. However, adjusting to his new team wasn’t immediate, as Doncic initially believed he would spend his entire career in Dallas.

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon praised the Lakers for coming together so quickly, especially when many assumed they would struggle this season while Doncic processed the emotions of being traded.

“This team made a huge move at the deadline,” MacMahon stated. “You have to admire how well they’ve connected. Luka is fully locked in now, but his heart was broken. He had to work through those emotions, essentially feeling abandoned. Now, you can see the joy back in his game, and it shows on both ends of the floor.”

Doncic had just purchased a new home in Dallas when the trade was announced, and at his introductory press conference, it was clear he was still in shock. Some reports even suggested he broke down in tears upon learning the news. However, he has since recovered both emotionally and physically, helping position the Lakers as a legitimate threat in the Western Conference.