NBA trade deadline has passed and one thing is certain: the Lakers came out on top. The Lakers pulled off one of the most jaw-dropping moves in recent memory by acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks.

The team added Luka Doncic, Mark Williams, Dorian Finney-Smith and three other players over the past six weeks, deals that appear to have short- and long-term benefits.

The Trail Blazers would likely want to make room to have more minutes for Donovan Clingan, who they recently selected early in the 2024 NBA Draft. For the Lakers, meanwhile, Ayton could have at least some tangible valuable as a player who has postseason experience and tremendous size on the inside.

The Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic was the biggest move of the week, even if plenty of other teams were also able to improve.

Rob Pelinka, the Lakers ’ general manager and frequent target of the team’s fan base for inaction on the trade market, sat in front of cameras and told everyone there was no way to wave a “magic wand” and make the right center appear.

Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka shared insight into the team's next moves following the blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic to the franchise. The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks made NBA history with one of the biggest trades ever,