Jazz GM Justin Zanik Calls Luka Dončić Trade a ‘Gift’ for Lakers – A Bold Take on NBA’s Biggest What-If
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, trades can define the fate of a franchise for years. Utah Jazz general manager Justin Zanik recently made headlines by calling the infamous 2018 trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Dallas Mavericks a “gift” for the Los Angeles Lakers. While this statement might surprise fans, Zanik’s perspective sheds light on one of the biggest “what-if” scenarios in modern NBA history.
The Trade That Changed It All
Back in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks selected Luka Dončić with the third overall pick but immediately traded him to the Dallas Mavericks for Trae Young (the fifth pick) and a future first-round selection. At the time, it seemed like a balanced deal, with Young proving to be a dynamic scorer and playmaker in his own right. However, as Dončić has blossomed into one of the league’s most dominant superstars, many have questioned the Hawks’ decision.
But what does this have to do with the Lakers?
Zanik’s Perspective: A Domino Effect Benefiting LA
During a recent media session, Jazz GM Justin Zanik shared his thoughts on how the Dončić trade indirectly shaped the Lakers’ current roster. According to Zanik, had Atlanta kept Dončić, the NBA landscape might look completely different today.
“If Atlanta had held onto Luka, the entire trajectory of the Western Conference would’ve shifted. The Lakers might not have had the same path to Anthony Davis, and the Mavericks wouldn’t be where they are today,” Zanik said. “In a way, the trade was a gift for LA. It kept the Mavericks relevant but not dominant, allowed LeBron’s Lakers to rise, and opened up opportunities for other teams.”
Could Luka Have Been a Laker?
Zanik’s comments raise an even bigger question—could Dončić have ended up in Los Angeles? The Lakers had the second pick in the 2018 draft, but they selected Lonzo Ball a year earlier in 2017. If the draft order had played out differently, some believe that Magic Johnson and the Lakers front office might have pursued Dončić instead of Ball.
Instead, Dončić found a home in Dallas, where he has become the face of the franchise. Meanwhile, the Lakers leveraged their assets to acquire Anthony Davis in 2019, leading to a championship in 2020.
A Trade That Keeps on Giving?
While the Dončić trade may have indirectly benefited the Lakers, it has also fueled debates about the Hawks’ decision. Young has been a superstar in his own right, leading Atlanta to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. However, Dončić’s consistent MVP-level performances suggest that Dallas got the better end of the deal.
For the Lakers, Zanik’s comments highlight how pivotal trade decisions ripple through the league. Would LeBron James and the Lakers have won a title if the Mavericks weren’t a playoff contender? Would Atlanta have become an Eastern Conference powerhouse with Dončić instead of Young?
Final Thoughts
NBA history is filled with trades that shape the league in unexpected ways, and the Dončić deal is no exception. While it may have seemed like a straightforward swap in 2018, its long-term effects continue to be felt. Justin Zanik’s take adds an interesting layer to the discussion—sometimes, the biggest winners in a trade aren’t even the teams involved.
For now, Luka Dončić remains one of the league’s biggest stars, and the Lakers continue to chase championships. Whether it was truly a “gift” or just another twist in NBA history, one thing is clear—the impact of that trade will be debated for years to come.
