Although in a large market, the Los Angeles Lakers don't move as such. The Dallas Mavericks conquered the Lakers for the second consecutive free-agency period. Once upon a time, the Lakers succeeded in free agency, but since the 2020 offseason, they continue to fall further from their glory days of attracting players.
Last season, despite the myriad of Kyrie Irving rumors, the Mavericks re-signed the 2016 NBA champion with no drama. The 2024 free agency was more of the same but with more of a dramatic fashion for the Mavericks.
Despite rumors of the Lakers as the second-favorite to land Klay Thompson, the Mavericks ultimately impressed the Golden State Warriors and the four-time NBA champion enough for a sign-and-trade deal. Los Angeles reportedly didn't promise Thompson a spot, which sealed the deal for Dallas, aside from financial advantages due to Texas being state-tax-free.
Finally, the nail in the proverbial coffin of a disappointing Lakers offseason, Spencer Dinwiddie retracted his head-scratching statements by signing with the Mavericks. Dinwiddie chose the Lakers due to their playoff chances, but ironically, they lost in the first round while his former tram reached the NBA Finals.
Dinwiddie signed a one-year deal with the Mavericks, seeking to recapture the magic of the 2022 season, in which they reached the Western Conference Finals. Dinwiddie has experience playing with Doncic and Irving
leading to a seemingly smooth transition as a backup guard for a championship contender. On the other end, Lakers fans hold a welcome sign for Bronny James and Max Christie.