As Luka Doncic returns to Dallas in a Lakers uniform, reporting from Christian Clark and Dan Woike of The Athletic highlights how differing viewpoints ultimately led to his exit from the Mavericks and why patience may now be required in Los Angeles.
From the Mavericks’ perspective, internal concerns about Doncic’s conditioning and long-term durability factored into the decision to trade him, with one team source suggesting the move helped prompt better habits.
“They (fans) got skinny Elvis,” the source said, framing the deal as a necessary turning point.
People close to the Slovenian star strongly dispute that characterization and believe that line of thinking played a role in why he is no longer in Dallas.
According to Clark and Woike, Doncic’s camp felt that regardless of whether a trade happened, he “was on a path to improving his diet and conditioning as he matured.”
Those around him have emphasized focusing on the present and future rather than revisiting past narratives.
League sources added that a similar level of patience will likely be needed with the Lakers.
Just as it took the Mavericks multiple seasons to build a complementary roster around Doncic that eventually reached the NBA Finals in 2024, sources in Los Angeles told The Athletic that reshaping the Lakers around the 26-year-old guard will also take time.
Those same sources noted the need to improve athleticism, defense and shooting, with some within the organization believing any major roster changes are more likely to come in the offseason rather than before the trade deadline.
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