ANALYSIS | Is Dallas Mavericks still a title contender after parting ways with Luka Doncic?

For Luka Doncic, his time with the Dallas Mavericks came to an end on this historic February 2, 2025. The Slovenian was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a bad way in exchange for Anthony Davis.

The reasons behind the Mavs making such a decision revolve around the idea that with 'The Brow,' they will be more competitive in the NBA, at least in the short term. Let’s analyze the situation within the team.

Dallas now has a starting five composed of Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Anthony Davis, and Daniel Gafford. The latter rotates with Dereck Lively II, who still has months left to recover from his long injury.

Additionally, reserves like Naji Marshall, Quentin Grimes, and Spencer Dinwiddie can complete a very reliable rotation of 8-9 players for the playoffs.

At first glance, the team seems competitive. The problem, aside from the obvious overcrowding of interior players, is that they lack a pure point guard capable of organizing plays anywhere close to what Doncic did. Dinwiddie is showing he is not up to the task.

The coach factor also weighs heavily. Jason Kidd has been heavily criticized during his time with the Mavs. Despite his success in the playoffs, much of it was due to Luka Doncic's natural talent. Without the Slovenian, Kidd's shortcomings may be exposed when it matters most.

On paper, the team looks good. However, Davis, despite being a star with the Lakers, had LeBron James by his side. 'The Brow' has not been the undisputed star of a team for a long time, and the Mavs need that cornerstone to function.

Because the team is not working. Without Doncic, these Mavs are a disaster. They may have won some games, it's the regular season and that can happen. But anyone who says things have gone well with the Slovenian injured is either lying to themselves or to others.

That being said, I still consider the Mavs superior to several teams in the West. They are better than the Lakers. But once the Lakers get a center to join Doncic, LeBron, and Reaves, they will surpass Dallas. I believe OKC Thunder can easily beat Dallas in the playoffs without Doncic.

We will see if the Rockets, Nuggets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, and others can also compete with them, but certainly, without Luka Doncic as the star, Dallas Mavericks no longer strike fear into their opponents as they used to.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ANÁLISIS | ¿Sigue siendo Dallas Mavericks candidato al anillo tras echar a Luka Doncic?