During Doncic's introductory press conference on Tuesday, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka shared that the team's medical staff has a return-to-play plan for Doncic in the works. Doncic is set to practice 5-on-5 on Wednesday, and his official status is considered day-to-day.

But late Saturday night, flabbergasted fans learned Dallas general manager Nico Harrison had agreed to send Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Lakers for All-Star forward Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick in a three-team trade also involving the Jazz.

Doncic strained his left calf late in the second quarter of the Mavericks’ loss to Minnesota. The injury was serious enough to leave Doncic stuck downcourt while play went on without him before he limped to the locker room.