In response to the conditioning rumors, Dončić said it was a “big motive” to prove the Mavericks’ brass wrong this season, and he could get his first chance as soon as Saturday when the Lakers host the Indiana Pacers. It would mark the first game the five-time All-Star has played in since suffering a calf injury on Christmas Day.

For Harrison, winning just one title without Dončić won't do. He is all in, cards to the center of the table, certain he will prevail.

A straight-faced Luka Dončić walked side-by-side next to a smiling Rob Pelinka as they took the podium at the Lakers' practice facility Tuesday morning, less than 72 hours after one of the biggest trades in sports history upended two franchises by sending Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks.