NBA post-trade deadline performers: Yes, it appears that Luka Dončić fellow may have been good for the Lakers

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We’re a month removed from the NBA trade deadline, which means it’s time to take a way-too-soon look at some of the stars who changed jerseys.

Brandon Ingram, who hasn’t played yet for Toronto, isn’t included for obvious reasons.

Yeah, it’s still weird to see the Slovenian don purple and not so much gold anymore.

(Was that criticism of Los Angeles’ toned down colors necessary? You bet. Listen, guys, you just acquired a star who’s called Luka Magic, so can we please get those uniforms back to looking like actual gold instead of this yellow Teletubby nonsense?)

Dončić’s start has been a bit slow due to the fact that he was returning from a calf injury sustained on Christmas Day, but he’s still managed to get in a few 30-point games and some near triple-doubles (including one real one!) because that’s what superstars do.

(Mallory Bielecki/Yahoo Sports illustration)

Crazy concept, right?

Dončić is averaging 22.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game as a Laker, and he’s probably got another couple of weeks ahead of him where he’ll be physically limited. But the the real Luka is definitely rounding into form.

Oh, and the Lakers are now the No. 2 seed in the West. How about that?

Remember when we were all waiting for the Butler trade to go down, and then he became like the fifth-best player to be moved at the deadline?

Fun times.

The aging star has done a rock-solid job of integrating himself into the larger fabric of the team, functioning as a playmaker, defender and opportunistic scorer who forces his way to the FT line — an element the Warriors have generally needed when the offense bogs down.

Butler isn’t taking up much of the offense, which is by design. At 35, and a noted playoff performer, the former All-Star is saving his best for the playoffs, which is a sound plan, especially if Golden State hangs onto the No. 6 seed.

For head coach Steve Kerr to have Butler handle the vast majority of the playmaking and shot-creation when Stephen Curry is off the floor during the playoffs will go a long way in giving the Warriors some competitive…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/nba-post-trade-deadline-performers-yes-it-appears-that-luka-doncic-fellow-may-have-been-good-for-the-lakers-153819206.html

Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2025-03-06 15:38:00

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