The Dallas Mavericks organization is navigating an extremely turbulent time following its decision to trade away franchise star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Since the trade went down, many Mavs fans have been vocal about their disapproval of the decision, with some even protesting.
Amid the drama, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst thinks that Mavs star Kyrie Irving has done a nice job of being a calming presence. Windhorst even thinks it may be a good idea for the franchise to reach out to Irving so he can guide Dallas through the chaos.
“I never thought I would say the words I’m about to say,” Windhorst began. “I’m very appreciative of the balanced, rational and calming viewpoint of Kyrie Irving throughout this process because he seems to be repeatedly able to both make a coalition attempt forming and showing empathy with the fans and also support for Luka and support for his teammates.
“I actually think it might be a good idea if the Mavericks organization would reach out to Kyrie to let him guide them in this time of strife because everything he is saying is actually calming.”
Irving has been mixed up in numerous controversies during his NBA career, but right now, it appears that he’s saying the right things for the Mavs.
As part of the Doncic trade, Dallas received big man Anthony Davis from the Lakers, a star in his own right. But Davis is no Doncic, and he unfortunately already suffered an injury with the Mavs that is expected to sideline him for some time.
Depending on Davis’ health, the team may have a real chance to compete for a title this season, but there is work to be done, especially since the Mavs are merely in play-in territory right now and don’t have a ton of breathing room.
Dallas is currently the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. As of Feb. 12, just 1.5 games separate the No. 8 seed and No. 11 seed.
Meanwhile, over in Los Angeles, Doncic is looking to get settled in with his new team. He recently made his Lakers debut and wasn’t exactly dominant but helped the team pick up a win.
The Lakers are in a better position in the Western Conference standings, as they currently occupy the No. 4 seed. Unfortunately for them, they have major frontcourt questions following their failed trade involving big man Mark Williams, so it’s unclear just how far L.A. will be able to go this season.
The Mavs and Lakers are both hoping to make some noise in the West, and it’s possible that the two teams will ultimately meet for a postseason battle.
