Luka Dončić's Scorching Lakers Start Highlights Mavericks' Post-Trade Struggles

Luka Dončić is off to a scorching start with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025-26 NBA season, leading them to an 8-3 record as the primary initiator of a top-10 offense. His trade from the Dallas Mavericks, described as perhaps the most consequential in franchise history, is seen as a major mistake by former GM Nico Harrison, who justified it by stating it fit a 'win now and in the future' timeframe with Anthony Davis. While Dončić thrives, the Mavericks are struggling at 3-8, lacking an offensive engine without him and Kyrie Irving. Earlier this season, Dončić was sidelined by knee and finger ailments, during which his Lakers teammate Austin Reaves averaged an impressive 40 points and 10 assists over a three-game stretch.