A few weeks ago, a league executive told me to expect a relatively quiet trade deadline, one without a blockbuster deal. There were too many cap restrictions, more buyers than sellers on the market, and a general pessimism about deals getting done.

Having the Lakers as the biggest winner of the trade deadline may seem obvious because Doncic — the best player who moved at the trade deadline — is now a member of the organization, but this move illustrates the thought process for this team moving forward.