3 Stunning Lakers and Mavs ripple effects after the seismic Luka Doncic trade

The Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA this weekend when they sent All-Star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The move is one that will be discussed ad nauseam for the foreseeable future, and for good reason. Here are three stunning ripple effects that will follow the unprecedented pivot.

3) The Dallas Mavericks now have options

The Mavs traded Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris in exchange for Lakers big man Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. Davis was obviously the most attractive part of the deal for Dallas. If they choose to stand pat before the deadline, Davis will play alongside Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson and attempt to make a run at the Western Conference crown.

When healthy, Davis is a perennial talent. Through 42 games this season, the nine-time All-Star is averaging roughly 26 points and 12 rebounds. Additionally, the 31-year-old has established himself as a stout defender who can contribute to a championship effort.

"Defense wins championships and A.D. is the one that we truly believe fits with (Dereck) Lively, and (Daniel) Gafford and P.J. (Washington),” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. “And so when you look at going forward we’re looking at the window to win now.”

Davis, Irving, and Thompson could be a scary trio if they mesh. But, Dallas could also shake up their roster again before the deadline if they so choose. While the decision to deal Doncic will be debated, the Mavs have options in terms of how they could proceed from here.

2) The Lakers are now set up for the future

Dallas may have parted with Doncic as a preemptive measure. Multiple insiders have stated that the Mavericks were not sold on the 25-year-old as a supermax player. Questions about his health, defense, and conditioning created a situation where the front office was comfortable trading the five-time All-Star.

The Lakers were clearly comfortable bringing Doncic to LA. One would assume they would be willing to offer him a long-term contract, and attempt to build around him in the future. Although he is no longer eligible for a supermax this summer, Doncic may be willing to ink a contract to stay with Los Angeles, even if it's initially a short-term deal.

The Lakers have had a storied history, and they would clearly like to have someone waiting in the wings for the day LeBron James retires. At that point, Doncic would become the locker room leader and the focal point of the franchise.

1) LeBron's career may now be extended

LeBron James could retire at the conclusion of this season, but it is possible that he would continue to play if the move for Doncic puts them over the top.

In other words, if the Lakers make a deep postseason run this spring, LeBron may opt to extend his career and chase another ring. The 40-year-old has defied father time this season. Through 44 games, LeBron has averaged 24 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists.

The Akron native clearly still has gas left in the tank. If nothing else, the Lakers' trade for Doncic may give "King James" an incentive to keep pushing forward and attempt to maximize the time he has left in the league.