The Lakers happily accepted Luka Doncic from the Mavericks, but there may have been a deeper reason that they traded Anthony Davis.

The Los Angeles Lakers have completed a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks, acquiring five-time NBA All-Star guard Luka Doncic along with forward Maxi Kleber and centre Markieff Morris.

Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison was candid in his surprising motivation to trade Doncic, which led to fury amongst the team's fanbase. Harrison said that "defense wins championships" through ESPN quickly following the move, speaking to his rationale in prioritizing Davis and his willingness to deal Doncic.