The Los Angeles Lakers were barred from communicating with Luka Doncic’s agent, Bill Duffy, prior to completing their trade for the superstar on Saturday, sources revealed to The Athletic.
This restriction prevented the Lakers from assessing Doncic’s willingness to remain with the team long-term, which influenced their decision to withhold their 2031 first-round pick from the trade package.
The Lakers determined that trading both of their available future first-round picks without securing Doncic’s commitment was a gamble they weren’t willing to take.
On the Mavericks’ side, they faced a delicate balancing act. Weighing the potential gain of the additional pick, they also had to consider the risk that the trade might unravel if Doncic found out prematurely and grew frustrated with the process.
Although Dallas made preliminary inquiries with one other franchise about a possible swap for another star, they chose to engage in serious discussions exclusively with the Lakers.
Sources indicate that Doncic is “ecstatic” about joining the Lakers and will be formally introduced to the media during a press conference on Tuesday morning.
Despite his excitement, insiders say Doncic had long envisioned spending his entire career with the Mavericks.
The organization had the opportunity to offer him a five-year, $345 million contract extension this offseason, which all indications suggest he would have eagerly signed.
Lakers Kept 2031 Pick Out Of Trade After Not Being Allowed To Speak With Luka Doncic's Agent https://t.co/p1kexnP8ce
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 3, 2025
