Doncic also shut down rumors that have surfaced since the trade, including an unfounded claim from the Mavericks. Per ESPN's Tim McMahon, Dallas had 'major concerns' about his conditioning 'issues' and making a commitment to a supermax contract extension this summer.

The Trail Blazers would likely want to make room to have more minutes for Donovan Clingan, who they recently selected early in the 2024 NBA Draft. For the Lakers, meanwhile, Ayton could have at least some tangible valuable as a player who has postseason experience and tremendous size on the inside.

Luka Doncic was nearly asleep last Saturday night in Dallas when his phone buzzed. Only then did he learn that the Mavericks had just stunned the sports world by trading him to the Los Angeles Lakers.