Lakers’ Trades Secure Team’s Future and TV Appeal Beyond LeBron
- With Luka Trade, Lakers Secure Position as NBA Ratings Powerhouse
The Lakers’ recent moves signal they are preparing for the future, centered around Luka Dončić, a future star both on and off the court.
Lakers guard Luka Dončić is introduced at UCLA Health Training Center.
Though Luka Dončić hasn’t yet played for the Lakers, the team is already shaping its future around him.
On Thursday morning, the team traded for Mark Williams, a 23-year-old center from the Hornets, giving up rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap.
The 2031 pick was the Lakers’ last untraded first-round pick, meaning they have no further draft moves unless involving their current roster. Williams, now in his third NBA season, has consistently improved his scoring, rebounding, and shooting, forming a potential guard/center duo with Dončić.
However, the Lakers’ recent transactions have likely secured their place as a central figure in NBA TV ratings for the upcoming media-rights deal spanning the next decade.
“It’s a gift,” said Lakers GM Rob Pelinka at Dončić’s introductory press conference, referring to the opportunity of a decade with Dončić. “We’re talking about a 25-year-old player who is top-three in the world.”
The Lakers acquired Dončić from the Mavericks over the weekend in a shock move, parting with star forward Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. Though Dončić’s contract expires next season, reports suggest he will sign an extension with the Lakers before next summer and a longer deal later. His extension could be as long as four years and $229 million, but he might also sign a two-year extension with a player option for the third year, positioning him for a supermax contract before 30.
With no further trades expected, Dončić, Williams, and Austin Reaves will lead the team in the near future, alongside LeBron James, who at 40 is nearing the end of his legendary career.
Assuming Dončić signs an extension, the NBA gains a long-term superstar through his prime in one of the league’s most influential markets, ensuring relevance for the Lakers post-James. The new media-rights deal, worth $77 billion over 11 years, begins next season and guarantees a ratings boost while keeping the Lakers competitive after James retires. If Dončić stays with the Lakers throughout the media deal, he will be 36 when it concludes, similar in age to stars like Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, who have thrived well into their later years.
NBA ratings have been a significant concern this season. Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged in December that they were slightly down year-over-year, with the high volume of three-point shots often criticized. Silver suggested shortening the game from 12-minute quarters to 10, though he expressed doubts about its feasibility.
“I think Luka Dončić joining the Los Angeles Lakers is a seismic event in NBA history,” Pelinka said at Dončić’s press conference. “We have a 25-year-old global superstar joining the most popular and influential basketball brand in the world.”
Those in the NBA’s New York offices would likely agree.
The Lakers may eventually need another co-star alongside Dončić once James retires, but playing with the Slovenian superstar will attract free agents and trade candidates. Pelinka has shown a knack for finding undervalued assets, which will be crucial for building the rest of the roster.
Reaves, an undrafted free agent, has developed into one of the team’s starting guards, while Christie, traded to Dallas, was a second-round pick and has improved every year.
By acquiring Dončić, the Lakers have shifted from focusing on building around James to prioritizing the future. Pelinka’s tenure so far has been defined by his work with James, but it will ultimately be shaped by how he handles Dončić’s tenure.
Fortunately for the NBA,all eyes will be on the Lakers.