Mavericks Shut Out Lakers After Luka Doncic Deal

Merlin sees Dallas slamming a door on Los Angeles. After the Mavericks sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers last year, Dallas has little appetite to deal with L.A. again. The Lakers have scouted Mavericks like Naji Marshall and Daniel Gafford, but Dan Woike says there are gigantic "road closed" signs all over any pathway to a deal. Dallas sits 19-31 and will likely sell before the deadline, yet the sting of the Dončić trade and the Anthony Davis injuries leave them wary. Merlin smells pride and hurt more than strategy. The Mavericks can still move pieces, but they will steer clear of any partner they feel took advantage of them. The Lakers will shop elsewhere, and the deadline could force creative pairings, but grudges have weight in trade talks.