Luka Doncic's tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers has been a rollercoaster, culminating in a swift playoff exit, echoing the Dallas Mavericks' struggles. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison seems convinced that trading Doncic was the right move, but many question whether his approach to rebuilding has merit. Despite Doncic's defensive liabilities, his offensive prowess shines as he continues to perform at an elite level, evidenced by his impressive playoff performances. Meanwhile, the Lakers' own shortcomings, particularly at center, have left them vulnerable.

The narrative around the Lakers centers on their aspirations to win with Doncic at the helm, yet the current roster lacks the depth to support such ambitions. As the Lakers rebuild post-LeBron James, their future hinges on integrating Doncic effectively. Harrison’s strategy of prioritizing rim protection over offensive talent may be misguided, as the league evolves towards a more dynamic style of play.