West Notes: Mavs, Luka Doncic, Lakers, Kings

Mavericks

The Mavericks may only have a two-year window to show star guard Luka Doncic they will do whatever it takes to compete for a championship, according to ESPN’s Tim McMahon.

“I think they have a two-year window where, you know, like Milwaukee did with (Giannis Antetokounmpo), I think in that window they really need to convince Luka that he has a chance to contend year in and year out right here in Dallas,” MacMahon said on The Hoop Collective Podcast, via RealGM. “If they can’t get it done in that two-year window, I’m not going to sit here and tell you that he’s going to force a trade or ask for a trade. I’m just saying at that point if he’s not happy, he has all the leverage in the world if he would be looking to leave.”

Doncic signed a five-year, $207 max contract with the Mavs in 2019. Dallas reached the Western Conference finals last season, before falling to the eventual champion Warriors.

“I’m also not going to pretend I know his innermost thoughts, but obviously I’m around this team on a regular basis. I know people who do know Luka well. I don’t think Luka will look for reasons to leave,” MacMahon said. “I think he’d be perfectly happy spending his entire career in Dallas. But if he doesn’t have to look for reasons and they’re slamming him in the face, then that’s a problem.

“He’s also a guy who is a ruthless competitor, which means he loves winning. He’s used to winning. He won championships with Real Madrid. He won a EuroBasket championship with the Slovenian national team. He also detests losing. Like can’t handle it. Whether it’s cards, ping pong, but especially NBA games.”

• The Mavs reportedly touched base with the Pistons on a potential trade for center Nerlens Noel. We have that full post here.

Lakers

• Star forward LeBron James will return for Friday’s road game vs. the 76ers, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN. James missed Wednesday’s loss to the Raptors with foot soreness.
• Forward/center Anthony Davis is probable after being forced to exit the loss to the Cavaliers with a cold, McMenamin added.
• The Lakers recently held trade talks with the Knicks about a deal that would require a third team, as we relayed. You can check out the full post here.

Kings

• Shooting guard Terence Davis may miss more time after re-aggravating what appeared to be a minor back issue at practice. “It’s frustrating because all I want to do is play basketball,” Davis said, via Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee.
• Point guard De’Aaron Fox has been playing through a foot issue for the past month. We have that full post here.