While playing for the Los Angeles Lakers presents some major advantages, one of the biggest disadvantages is the public scrutiny and constant narratives. Luka D

The Lakers had pulled off a blockbuster trade, sending Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick to Dallas in exchange for Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. A stunning, seismic move no one saw coming. And LeBron James is its biggest winner — whether he stays in L.A. or joins a superteam in Dallas.

This trade was about the opportunity to acquire a 25-year-old perennial MVP candidate at half the cost. It was not about this season, either. The Lakers are not winning a championship with James making 35% of their salary cap.