Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

After the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February, the five-time All-Star met with general manager Rob Pelinka and asked him to trade for a specific player. Doncic wanted to play with a center who was a lob threat since he had success playing with Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II in Dallas.

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick and NBA insider Brian Windhorst may have helped the Dallas Mavericks' side of things in the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis blockbuster trade.