In the mid-season of 2026, the NBA continues to deal with the seismic shifts caused by the historic trade involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis. This exchange, which took place in early 2025, sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, fundamentally altering the trajectory of both franchises. By late January 2026, the Lakers have established themselves as a dominant force in the Western Conference, while the Mavericks find themselves in a period of transition and struggle.

The Los Angeles Lakers currently hold a 27-17 record, positioning them fifth in the West. Luka Doncic has seamlessly integrated into the team, averaging over 33 points per game and forming a formidable partnership with LeBron James. On January 24, 2026, Doncic made an emotional return to Dallas, leading the Lakers to a 116-110 comeback victory. In a brilliant performance, he recorded 33 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds, while also becoming the youngest player in league history to reach 1,500 career three-pointers. The Lakers overcame a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit, fueled by a 36-17 scoring run and clutch contributions from Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart.

For the Dallas Mavericks, the season has been much more challenging. The team sits at 12th place in the Western Conference with a 19-27 record. The franchise has been hampered by significant injuries; Anthony Davis has been limited to just 20 games this season and is currently sidelined with a hand injury, while star guard Kyrie Irving remains out as he recovers from a torn ACL. These difficulties led to the firing of general manager Nico Harrison in November 2025, following a poor start to the season and lingering fan resentment over the Doncic trade.

Despite these setbacks, the emergence of rookie Cooper Flagg has provided a much-needed silver lining for Dallas. Selected as the number one overall pick in the 2025 draft, Flagg has lived up to the massive expectations placed upon him. The 19-year-old forward is the current favorite for Rookie of the Year, displaying a versatile game that impacts both ends of the floor. In the recent loss to the Lakers, Flagg contributed 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Over the course of the season, he has shown steady improvement, particularly after moving from point guard to his more natural forward position, where his shooting efficiency and scoring have increased significantly.

The atmosphere in Dallas remains complex. While fans continue to show immense love for Doncic—welcoming him with standing ovations and heartwarming tributes—there is a clear desire for the team to return to the success of their 2024 Finals run. The Mavericks are currently leaning heavily on Flagg and young players like Max Christie, who scored 24 points in the recent matchup against Los Angeles. As the trade deadline approaches, the Mavericks face uncertainty regarding the future of their roster, while the Lakers look to capitalize on their momentum and prepare for a deep playoff run led by the brilliance of Doncic.

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