Part 6/8:
The broader implications of this trade extend beyond the Mavericks and the Lakers—it may represent a paradigm shift in player empowerment within the NBA. For years, star players wielded considerable influence over their teams, often dictating their terms and asserting control over rosters. However, with Dončić’s trade, team ownership in both Dallas and Los Angeles seems to have sent a clear message: the players are not untouchable.