Luka Doncic upgraded to probable against Utah

While Doncic is undoubtedly the future face of this franchise, it is still James’ team now, so to see Doncic get announced last was special. But that is also something the two worked out prior to the contest. Doncic spoke after the game and revealed that James texted him that morning and wanted the 25-year-old to have that moment in his debut. But the new Lakers star also made it clear that LeBron will get that last spot going forward. “Yeah, he texted me in the morning,” Doncic said after the Lakers win. “He said, whatever you want. And I said, for him to text me that, it’s just amazing. Shows what kind of person he is to let me have my moment, so I really appreciate it… Today, he left me have this one. But from now on, he’ll be the last.” -via Lakers Nation / February 12, 2025

According to NBA officials, the Mavs had interactions with at least two other teams besides the Lakers. They claimed the Mavs also had conversations with the Bucks and Timberwolves. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out which players from those teams would have piqued the Mavs’ interest. With the Bucks, it was Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP who led the Bucks to the NBA title in 2021. Antetokounmpo happens to have a strong rapport with Mavs coach Jason Kidd and his right-hand man, Sean Sweeney. -via Woelfel’s Press Box / February 12, 2025

According to one source, the Mavs reached out to the Bucks. But the Bucks made it clear to Mavs they wouldn’t trade Antetokounmpo even though his future with the team is murky. As for the Timberwolves, it’s only logical that any potential deal between the Mavs and Timberwolves would have included Anthony Edwards, their ascending 23-year-old superstar. The NBA officials I contacted regarding the Doncic-Davis declined to divulge specifics of the Mavs talks with the Bucks and Timberwolves, but they were adamant those  talks took place. -via Woelfel’s Press Box / February 12, 2025