The Los Angeles Lakers have been quiet, maybe patiently waiting for the perfect move to utilize their future draft picks. Or they are not fully sold on their roster and are hoarding them for a blockbuster future move. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor was the first to report that the Purple and Gold see their legacy reside in the hands of Luka Doncic after LeBron James eventually hangs his sneakers. For those reasons, they have hesitated when trying to find a roster-improving trade this offseason. But is that the right way to approach the situation?

With LeBron James, the window is short. We can see him for maybe two more seasons if he plays out his contract. On the other hand, Davis is approaching 32. The tandem has proven to be a championship-winning duo, but Pelinka might be prioritizing the future Doncic masterplan instead of upscaling their squad. Jovan Buha of The Athletic doesn’t think so.

“If they get an Anthony Edwards or Luka or whoever they try to go after the rest of the decade. Of course, if you add one of those guys we’re having different conversation. But as of right now, the way that things are looking, you are building around LeBron and AD. …like I have been saying, you can’t really prioritize the future and prioritize the now at the same time. It’s one or the other. And you got to pick. If it were up to me, I think I would trade both picks. I would lean into making this roster as competitive, as good as possible,” he said on his YouTube show. 

Considering the history of the glorious franchise, the Lakers and competing teams belong in the same breath. This isn’t a franchise that tries to rebuild. Their allure is strong enough to attract the best of superstars, as it did with LeBron James. But now, especially with the King providing the Lakers with remarkable production at 40, it’s almost their responsibility to repay him for his efforts.

In recent weeks, Jerami Grant’s name has emerged as a primary target for the 17-time champions. But in order to make the trade happen, the 2029 and 2031 picks need to be shipped to the Trail Blazers.

Additionally, if they don’t remain relevant in the loaded Western Conference, Anthony Davis could potentially be affected. That would cost them their entire future pitch for any star they might want to welcome. One way to build appeal is by winning and adding more silverware to their colorful collection. That’s what the Lakers are known for.

And in terms of Luka Magic, that’s what the Mavericks are trying to do.

Luka Doncic’s move to the Lakers depends on the Mavericks?

With the Slovenian, the Mavericks fans see him to be a second coming of Dirk Nowitzki. His loyalty remains undefeated. Even when he had an opportunity to move up for a max extension, Luka Doncic didn’t ever consider leaving. But for a certified competitor like Luka Magic, there is one thing that will matter most when the time comes to make decisions about his future. And Mark Cuban has spoken about it before.

Even though the former majority owner feels the 25-year-old wants to spend his entire career with the Mavericks, he knows the franchise needs to “earn” his confidence. The only possible method for that? Championships.

“Win championships. It’s amazing how that cures all. I mean, before Giannis [Antetokounmpo] won, everybody was like, ‘Where’s he going? Where’s he going? He’s not staying. He’s not staying.’ [Nikola] Jokic, while they haven’t won, da, da, da, da, da. Dirk [Nowitzki] before, right?,” he said two seasons ago when the Mavericks missed the play-in tournament. 

Likewise, the sentiment has been reverberated throughout the organization. Last season, as the Kyrie Irving-Luka Doncic tandem bloomed, Dallas began winning. Crucial trade deadline moves set them up for a first NBA Finals appearance since Nowitzki in 2011. While they didn’t succeed, the desire to do so is radiating through their buildings.

That seems enough to satisfy Luka Doncic, who simply wants to compete. But for the Lakers, it’s the worst news possible if they are seriously considering the Slovenian as a future target.