Luka Dončić’s Playoff Letdown Sparks Trade Rumors: Could the Lakers Make a Move?

The Dallas Mavericks’ 2024 playoff run ended in disappointment, with superstar Luka Dončić failing to lead his team past the first round. Following the early exit, rumors about Dončić’s future have intensified, with some speculating that frustration could push him to demand a trade. Among the teams frequently mentioned as potential suitors are the Los Angeles Lakers, who are always looking to add elite talent to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Could the Lakers pull off a blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić? Let’s break down the situation, the feasibility of a deal, and what it would mean for both franchises.

Luka Dončić’s Playoff Struggles and Growing Frustration

Luka Dončić is undeniably one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. A five-time All-Star and four-time First-Team All-NBA selection by age 25, his individual brilliance has rarely been in question. However, team success has been harder to come by.

Despite leading the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals in 2022, Dallas has struggled to build a consistent contender around him. This season, despite a late surge to secure a playoff spot, the Mavericks fell short against a deeper opponent, raising questions about Dončić’s long-term patience.

After the playoff exit, Dončić admitted his frustration, saying:

"It’s tough. I gave everything I had. We just couldn’t get it done. I don’t know what comes next, but I want to win."

These comments have fueled speculation that Dončić could eventually seek a change of scenery if Dallas doesn’t make significant roster improvements.

Why the Lakers Could Be a Potential Destination

The Lakers are no strangers to pursuing superstar talent, especially when they sense an opportunity to pair another elite player with LeBron James. While Dončić is under contract through 2026 (with a player option for 2026-27), Dallas may eventually face pressure to trade him if he privately requests a move.

Why Luka to the Lakers Makes Sense:

LeBron’s Window is Closing – At 39, LeBron James is still playing at an All-NBA level, but his championship window won’t stay open forever. Adding Dončić would give the Lakers a seamless transition into the next era while maximizing their title chances now.
Anthony Davis as a Co-Star – Dončić has never played with a big man as dominant as Davis, who could thrive as a pick-and-roll partner and defensive anchor.
The Lakers’ Big-Market Appeal – Los Angeles is one of the few markets that can match (or exceed) Dallas in terms of global exposure, endorsements, and championship expectations.

Potential Trade Package

For the Lakers to land Dončić, they would likely need to offer a massive package, possibly including:

Austin Reaves (rising young guard)
Rui Hachimura (versatile forward)
Multiple first-round picks (2029, 2031)
Pick swaps and young players (Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis)

Would this be enough? Probably not without a third team getting involved, but it’s a starting point for negotiations.

Why the Mavericks Might Resist a Trade

Dallas has zero incentive to trade Dončić unless he outright demands it. He’s a generational talent, and the Mavericks would likely do everything possible to keep him happy, including firing coaches or making aggressive roster moves.

However, if Dončić grows impatient, the Mavericks would have to consider offers. Teams like the Lakers, Knicks, or Heat could come calling with massive trade proposals.

What a Lakers-Luka Partnership Would Look Like

If the Lakers somehow pulled off this blockbuster, their lineup could look like:

PG: Luka Dončić
SG: D’Angelo Russell (or another guard via trade)
SF: LeBron James
PF: Anthony Davis
C: A defensive-minded big (via free agency)

This trio would instantly make the Lakers title favorites, with Dončić handling primary playmaking duties while LeBron transitions into more of a secondary role.

Unlikely, But Not Impossible

As of now, a Luka Dončić trade remains a long shot. The Mavericks will do everything to keep him, and the Lakers may not have enough assets without including Anthony Davis (which they won’t do).

However, if Dončić’s frustration grows and Dallas struggles again next season, the trade rumors will only intensify. The Lakers will undoubtedly monitor the situation closely, ready to pounce if the superstar becomes available.

For now, Lakers fans can dream—but unless something drastic changes, Dončić will remain in Dallas for the foreseeable future.