Following the high-profile trade between Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers have experienced contrasting trajectories. Currently, Dallas holds the 11th position in the Western Conference, just missing out on the Play-In Tournament due to the Phoenix Suns having the advantage in tiebreakers. On the other hand, the Lakers have secured the fourth position, trailing the Denver Nuggets by one game for third place and the Rockets by two games for second.
One significant factor in the Lakers’ success is the natural fit of LeBron James in his more accustomed position. Previously, Davis preferred playing in position 4, which NBA veteran Marcus Morris regards as LeBron’s more suited role at this point in his career.
READ MORE: NBA insider claims Mavericks ‘broke’ Luka Doncic’s heart by trading him to Lakers
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith concurred with Morris, stating, “I think that that was an excellent analysis on the part of Marcus Morris. Luka Doncic coming to the team, being able to draw attention from defenses is going to free up others to shoot 3s. And one of those people is going to include LeBron James, who’s essentially your wideout because he gets to operate more in open space. He gets to play bully ball when he wants to because he’s 6’9″, 260, or he gets to step outside because he’s improved his 3-point shot. And oh, by the way, he’s having more uncontested three-point shots than he ever has had in a Lakers uniform.”
James has indeed been thriving, thanks to Doncic’s playmaking, averaging 26.3 PPG and 9.5 RPG while shooting 51.8% from the field and 36.7% from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, Davis has been sidelined with an adductor strain, missing all but one game for the Mavericks. His potential return during the upcoming East Coast trip could significantly boost Dallas’ playoff hopes.
READ MORE: NBA legend believes Mavericks’ championship window is now closed
Stay updated with MavericksGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2024-25 Season
Follow MavericksGameday on Twitter and Austin Veazey on Twitter
More Dallas Mavericks News
- Mark Cuban confirms Luka Doncic-Lakers trade wouldn’t happen if he still owned Mavericks
- ‘Dallas was my home’… Luka Doncic still adjusting to life with the Lakers
- Ex-Mavericks standout continues to make Nico Harrison look like a fool
- Mavericks may have to begin forfeiting games due to NBA rules
Similar posts:
- NBA Champ’s Bold LeBron & Luka Prediction Goes Viral!
- Luka Doncic Opens Up About Emotional Dallas Return Before Lakers-Mavs Clash!
- Mavericks Slash Luka Doncic Trade Price After Lakers Resist!
- Shaq’s Surprising Opinion on Mavericks’ Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis Trade Swap
- Mavericks Star Reacts to Team Securing Top Draft Pick Cooper Flagg
Mike Johnson is a passionate news writer with a keen interest in current events. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has a talent for uncovering the stories that matter most. Mike’s insightful articles and in-depth analyses have made him a trusted voice in the industry. He thrives on staying ahead of the news curve, providing readers with timely and relevant information. Whether it’s breaking news, politics, or social issues, Mike’s dedication to the craft ensures that his readers are always well-informed.