After a the bold move to pair Luka Dončić with LeBron James and a humiliating first-round playoff exit, the Lakers aren't wasting time. This trade lands them rim-running shot-blocker Daniel Gafford and high-upside wing O-Max Prosper—a clear response to their glaring size and depth issues post-AD.

But the Mavericks aren’t sitting still either. With Kyrie Irving likely out for half a season and a franchise-altering No. 1 pick (hello, Cooper Flagg) in hand, they roll the dice on Anfernee Simons—a microwave scorer who can keep their offense afloat and potentially thrive next to Luka… or his heir.

And then there’s Portland—quietly pulling off a masterclass. They flip Simons for three valuable rotation players (Vanderbilt, Martin, Knecht) and a future Lakers first-round pick, adding grit, spacing, and experience around their rising core of Sharpe, Avdija, and Clingan.

👉 Three teams. Three different timelines. One deal that just might shake up the West.