Luka Doncic had been a member of the Los Angeles Lakers for nine days, but that stretch almost didn't feel real given that L.A.'s newest star had been side

Luka Doncic scored 14 points in limited playing time during his debut with the Lakers, joining their starting lineup alongside LeBron James and immediately getting into the flow during Los Angeles’ 132-113 victory over the Utah Jazz.

This trade was about the opportunity to acquire a 25-year-old perennial MVP candidate at half the cost. It was not about this season, either. The Lakers are not winning a championship with James making 35% of their salary cap.