The Los Angeles Lakers’ future looks bright.
The 17-time NBA champions have plenty of talent to help them thrive during the inevitable post-LeBron James era in Los Angeles, and it doesn’t help that accomplished CEO Mark Walter recently received majority ownership of the franchise.
However, Hoops Habit’s Ismail Sy believes the Lakers could lose a key contributor in the foreseeable future. To be specific, Sy has a hunch that Los Angeles’ generational point guard could eventually return t o his first NBA home, the Dallas Mavericks, and compete for titles alongside Cooper Flagg.
“The one thing about the NBA is this: never say never,” Sy wrote Monday. “Doncic may have signed a three-year pact with the Lakers and has stated that he is happy that LA is his home, but the Mavericks were his first love, and he has unfinished business with that franchise.”
“Dallas is likely to reset their roster around Cooper Flagg very soon, and with Harrison gone and Mark Cuban seemingly back in charge of basketball operations, a return to the Mavs for Doncic could be something we see down the line.”
“Fences would definitely have to be mended, but don’t be surprised if the former prodigal son wants to return in the future.”
If the Mavericks were a competent organization, Doncic would still be in Dallas. Fortunately for the Lakers, Dallas made the mistake of trading him to Los Angeles 10 months ago, giving their Western Conference foe arguably the best point guard in the league.
Doncic’s first full season in Los Angeles has been nothing short of spectacular, as the former No. 3 overall pick has thrived as the franchise’s top scoring option.
The five-time All-Star is averaging 35.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game on a Lakers team that’s succeeded in 17 of their first 24 contests.
Simply put, Los Angeles is in good hands with Doncic steering the ship, but there’s no question the 26-year-old still has love for the Mavericks.
Dallas and its fanbase embraced Doncic from the get-go and supported him through his highs and lows. If the Lakers begin to fall off a cliff and Doncic discovers he would be better off elsewhere, the ex-EuroLeague champion could make his way back to Flagg-led Mavericks down the line.
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