What if the Lakers offered Luka Doncic to the Mavs for Cooper Flagg

[fendilim]

hypothetically, if the Lakers offered Luka Doncic for Cooper Flagg, should the Mavs do it?

Win-Now
The Mavericks wants to win another title NOW. Their entire roster construction, timeline, and aspirations are built around maximizing Luka's prime to win championships now. Keeping Cooper Flagg instantly shifts the Mavs into a multi-year rebuilding phase, abandoning their current championship window. Imagine a trio of Anthony Davis - Kyrie Irving - Luka Doncic.

Marketability and Fan Base
Luka is a global superstar and the face of the franchise, until now. Trading Luka has caused massive fan outrage and significantly damaged the team's brand and marketability. Ticket sales, merchandise, and local interest have plummet.

The Proven vs. Potential Chasm is Vast
Luka Dončić is a 5x All-NBA First Team selection (by age 25!), MVP finalist, franchise cornerstone, and one of the best offensive engines the league has ever seen. He's a proven elite scorer, playmaker, and rebounder who single-handedly elevates a team to playoff contention. He's in his prime.

Cooper Flagg is an exceptionally talented prospect with superstar *potential*. He projects as an elite defender and versatile offensive player. However, he has **zero** NBA experience. History is littered with "can't miss" prospects who didn't reach superstar levels (or even All-Star levels) due to injury, fit, development issues, or simply the difficulty of the NBA transition.

The Risk is Monumental
Trading for a guaranteed top-5 NBA player is a massive win for the Mavs. If Flagg becomes "only" a very good All-Star (not the MVP-level player Luka already is), keeping Cooper will be a catastrophic failure for the Mavs. If Flagg busts (unlikely but possible), it sets the franchise back a decade.

[Kingdibs19]

Clink bait title = close

[ImSlower]

You've got a 23 year old account, surely you know that other posters don't like obvious clickbait titles. You could very easily have put "Hypothetical:" in front, but actively chose not to. Poor form.

Edot: Thanks.

[UglyBugBall]

So after the Mavs blindside Luka, cost him tens of millions, mock his weight, and smear his name publicly, you really think this is a question worth asking?

[UcanUwill]

Not Mavs or Lakers style to make such deals. Lakers will trade Luka to the Mavs when Luka is over the hill and Flagg entering prime superstardom.

[Stan]

Not Mavs or Lakers style to make such deals. Lakers will trade Luka to the Mavs when Luka is over the hill and Flagg entering prime superstardom.

This is far too serious a response that this thread deserves

[lambchop]

1/10 click bait. Anyway, Flagg is still unproven and there are question marks surrounding his ability to score efficiently, as is the case with all rookies. Lakers would potentially have to get an additional scorer, assuming they'd trade LBJ in the process.

But I don't think LBJ gets you that much at this point.

[FrodoBaggins]

I wouldn't be surprised if Cooper ends up being the better player & having the greater career. He ticks all the boxes in a way Luka never has and never will.

[fendilim]

Not Mavs or Lakers style to make such deals. Lakers will trade Luka to the Mavs when Luka is over the hill and Flagg entering prime superstardom.

Hypothetical scenario. Read the first word of the thread body.

[UcanUwill]

Not Mavs or Lakers style to make such deals. Lakers will trade Luka to the Mavs when Luka is over the hill and Flagg entering prime superstardom.

Hypothetical scenario. Read the first word of the thread body.

Yeah I got it. Team should trade Flagg for Luka (if salaries aint the problem), as I think Luka has more value, but MAVS wouldn't do it obviously. I am not sure what other answer would you expect.

[XTC]

I wouldn't be surprised if Cooper ends up being the better player & having the greater career. He ticks all the boxes in a way Luka never has and never will.

Lmaoooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[Johnny Bball]

Ban

[76ciology]

It makes sense for both teams.

The Lakers can kickstart a rebuild around Flagg, especially with LeBron likely retiring after this season.

For the Mavs, it would be a homecoming for Luka, similar to LeBron’s return to Cleveland. A core of Luka, Kyrie, and AD is a compelling trio, and with Klay already on the roster, that’s a legitimate contender. Of course, this scenario is more likely if Kyrie is healthy.

[jkvonny]

Lol what??

I hope they do it, would be hilarious.

[Ckay]

Anthony Davis - Kyrie Irving - Luka Doncic. The league is cooked.

Luka would probably want Nico fired.

[meekrab]

I can hear the calls now... Bronny alley oop to Coop... ITS GOOD

[The Master]

The crazy part is that if Dallas and Lakers swapped Doncic for Flagg now, both teams would still be in improved position pre-Luka trade short- and/or long-term

Mavs: AD, Christie for Flagg
Lakers: Flagg for 32yo AD, Chrstie, random 1st rounder

[NyKnicks1714]

I can hear the calls now... Bronny alley oop to Coop... ITS GOOD

Who says "it's good" on an alleyoop or any other dunk?

[FrodoBaggins]

I wouldn't be surprised if Cooper ends up being the better player & having the greater career. He ticks all the boxes in a way Luka never has and never will.

Lmaoooooooooooooooooooooooooo

We'll have to wait and see, won't we?

Luka's always had question marks: his athleticism, defense, conditioning, attitude; he very much strikes me as someone who grew up a spoilt, petulant child. Precocious, but with obvious character flaws. You don't have any of these issues with Cooper. His strengths may not yet appear as great, but he sure as hell has fewer weaknesses. Less chinks in the armor.

I wouldn't be surprised one bit if Doncic's career in LA ends in disappointment.

[dirkdiggler4177]

Would the Lakers trade Luka for Irving and Flagg? That trade works money wise (more or less)

Anthony Davis and Luka with todays roster is pretty damn good.