The trade of Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers has left Mavericks fans in a state of shock. While the emergence of Cooper Flagg has provided some solace, the aftermath of this blockbuster move continues to ripple through the organization. The decision to part ways with Doncic led to the dismissal of Nico Harrison as general manager, and the team further adjusted by trading Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards.
Fans have been scratching their heads, trying to make sense of why Dallas would let go of such a talent. The situation took an intriguing turn when the Mavericks secured Flagg in the draft lottery, sparking conspiracy theories. Some speculate that the league's front office orchestrated the Doncic trade to the Lakers, with a promise of the first overall draft pick as compensation.
Adding fuel to the fire, sports journalist Pablo Torre shared an anecdote that lends some weight to these theories. Speaking on the Chapo Trap House podcast, Torre recounted a conversation with two NBA owners who expressed their belief that the lottery results seemed suspicious. "This was obviously fixed," they reportedly said, echoing sentiments that have been circulating among fans and online communities.
The theory posits that the NBA aimed to position Doncic in a major market like Los Angeles, setting the stage for the Lakers' future beyond LeBron James. Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg is already making waves with his impressive blend of size, athleticism, and defensive prowess, quickly establishing himself as one of the league's promising young stars.
As the Mavericks prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday evening, the team and its fans are left to ponder what could have been, while also looking forward to what Flagg might bring to the court.