The Luka Dončić trade has essentially ensured that the Los Angeles Lakers will remain in the playoff mix for the next decade-plus. However, building out a true contender around him would require some savvy moves from general manager and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka.

The Lakers’ blockbuster addition dramatically moved them up the oddsboard as a legitimate threat to win the NBA Finals, with Los Angeles shifting from 40/1 down to 14/1 at BetMGM Sportsbook. Those 14/1 odds are tied for the fifth-best mark, and the Lakers are unlikely to be done dealing ahead of Thursday’s NBA Trade Deadline.

LeBron James had 26 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, and Luka Doncic watched approvingly from the bench while the Los Angeles Lakers thrashed the Los Angeles Clippers 122-97

LeBron James says he spent two days in disbelief after the Los Angeles Lakers traded away Anthony Davis, his close friend and teammate for the past 5 1/2 years.