We're a month removed from the NBA trade deadline, which means it's time to take a way-too-soon look at some of the stars who changed jerseys.
Things truly appear to be going well for Luka Dončić with his new team. With a trade that caught the entire NBA world off guard, the Dallas Mavericks decided to move on from Dončić and traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Anthony Davis.
As the Mavericks struggle with injuries and fan uproar, Luka Dončić and the Lakers are playing their best basketball of the season. A furious comeback featuring gritty performances from Luka, LeBron and co.
The Lakers are on the rise while things have quickly gone south for the Mavericks. Breaking down the West one month post-trade deadline.
That has made the fan base somewhat conspiracy-minded. A notable theory that has sprung up amongst that fanbase in recent years is that opponents are so determined to beat them that injured players intentionally target Laker games for their returns.
Look, the Lakers have won five straight with Luka in the lineup, 12 of 14 overall, and the defense has been off the charts as they've rocket-shot all the way into the West's No. 2 seed, so let's keep this all in proper perspective. But ... have you seen Dončić's shooting numbers since he arrived in L.A.?