Luka Doncic Trade Anniversary! What Assets Could the Lakers Get if They Traded Him Now? Four Major Scenarios Listed by US Media

On February 2nd, exactly one year ago, the Mavericks and Lakers completed a trade sending Doncic to Los Angeles. Undoubtedly, this was one of the most shocking trades in NBA history. Today, renowned US media outlet Bleacher Report imagines what a reasonable package to acquire this superstar would look like now.

Of course, there is currently no indication that the Lakers will trade Doncic. But if they were willing to listen to offers, what kind of assets would other teams need to present to persuade them? In other words, if the Lakers were to open a bidding war for Doncic (which the Mavericks should have done if they were truly determined to trade him), what would the winning offer likely include? Bleacher Report discusses four proposals as follows—

Scenario One: Doncic for Alexander

Lakers receive: Alexander

Thunder receive: Doncic, 2031 first-round pick

We mentioned this scenario at the start. Honestly, this trade is almost nonsensical for both teams; the Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder would very likely reject it outright.

Doncic will turn 27 this month and is the league’s second-best offensive engine (only behind Jokic), consistently among MVP candidates.

Alexander is just one year older and is aiming for his second MVP award this season, already holding a championship ring.

Both have their strengths: Doncic excels in passing and rebounding, while Alexander is a more efficient scorer with greater defensive upside.

Wherever they go, both remain top-tier stars in the league. If Doncic joins the Thunder, their defensive system would provide him with a stronger support; if Alexander dons the Lakers jersey, his status as a league face would undoubtedly rise.

Returning to this trade, both teams would likely veto the proposal. But since the Thunder are steadily aiming for a championship, their rejection would be firmer—this explains why the Lakers must include an additional first-round pick in this hypothetical deal.

Scenario Two: Doncic for Edwards

Lakers receive: Edwards, Timberwolves’ 2030 first-round pick swap rights, Nets’ 2026 second-round pick

Timberwolves receive: Doncic

Nets receive: John Bellinger

This scenario’s logic is similar to the previous one, but due to salary cap constraints between the Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves, a direct one-for-one swap is impossible.

Therefore, the Brooklyn Nets are included. The Nets need a young center like John Bellinger to pair with Yegor Jemine, and their salary space can absorb part of the contracts. The second-round pick sent to the Lakers sweetens the deal, making the package more appealing.

In this deal, the Lakers receive a slightly less talented player, but Anthony Edwards’ playing style overlaps less with LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Like Alexander, he also has more defensive potential than Doncic.

For the Timberwolves, although they might have rejected this trade last year, the situation has changed. Trading Edwards would upset his fans, but Doncic’s playmaking would elevate the team’s offense dramatically, with Rudy Gobert providing perfect defensive support behind him.

Scenario Three: Doncic Teams Up with Wembanyama

Lakers receive: Keldon Johnson, Dylan Harper, Stephan Kasle, 2029 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick swap rights, 2031 first-round pick

Spurs receive: Doncic

The San Antonio Spurs were originally content with their current roster and team-building direction.

They have Victor Wembanyama and a group of dynamic young guards. This season, they have beaten the Thunder three times, proving their strength. Reports say the Spurs are not interested in trading for Giannis, indicating they prefer a gradual, natural team-building process.

However, Doncic is four years younger than Giannis and offensively fits better with Wembanyama. With Doncic’s playmaking and Wembanyama’s height advantage, this duo would be an unstoppable offensive pair in the league.

But to persuade the Lakers to seriously consider this trade, the Spurs must offer two highly promising young guards (Dylan Harper and Stephan Kasle) plus significant draft assets.

Scenario Four: Doncic for Sixers’ Backcourt Duo

Lakers receive: Maxey, Achiuwa, 2032 first-round pick

Sixers receive: Doncic, Hayes

The Mavericks were criticized for trading Doncic for just a first-round pick, but the situation now is completely different.

Maxey is eight years younger than Anthony Davis; Achiuwa’s potential surpasses Christie; and the Sixers’ 2032 first-round pick will mature when Doncic is just over 30, with Joel Embiid possibly retired by then.

In fact, like the previous three offers, this proposal’s sincerity is enough to make the Sixers carefully consider it before deciding.

But the Sixers have always been eager to pursue superstar trades. Imagine Doncic paired with Embiid; as long as Embiid stays healthy in the spring playoffs, their offensive firepower would be a nightmare for any opponent.