When Doncic played for the Dallas Mavericks, he thrived with a lob-threat center. The five-time All-Star led the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals with the help of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, two players who caught lobs in an efficient offense.

A look at how the current Los Angeles Lakers roster stands after the deals made for Luka Doncic, Mark Williams and Dorian Finney-Smith.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the most active teams in the days leading up to the NBA trade deadline. On Thursday, the Lakers made their third trade of the season, acquiring center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, the Lakers’ 2031 first round pick and a pick swap in 2030.

There were rumblings that veterans such as Cam Johnson, Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe could be on the move, but no deals were made, and all three remain in Brooklyn for now.

Getting out ahead of this: the Sixers are not expected to pursue a reunion with Ben Simmons if the Nets agree to a buyout with the former No. 1 overall pick, a source tells @thephillyvoice. Now 28 years old,