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.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic has altered the future of a franchise that had been trying to squeeze one more championship run out of 40-year-old LeBron James’ partnership with Anthony Davis.