Luka Doncic's secret weapon is propelling Lakers while slowly killing Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks' most recent loss has the team tied with the Sacramento Kings for the ninth-place spot in the Play-In Tournament. Dallas lost back-to-back games to the LA Clippers this weekend, as they showed no signs of improvement. The team lost Friday night's game, as Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II sat out. Both players returned Saturday, although nothing changed, and they still didn't have what it takes to keep up with one of the hottest teams in the West. Dallas lost to the Clippers on Saturday, 135-104.

One reason for the team's struggles has been their lack of depth at the guard position. The Mavs have struggled to find a consistent ball handler to lead the team, as Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum are out for the season. Not to mention, Jaden Hardy is dealing with a right ankle sprain. Their only available point guard has been Spencer Dinwiddie, who has struggled to lead the team's offense consistently, and Dallas has been forced to throw him into a much bigger role than expected.

The Mavs have no sense of identity or general direction without Kyrie Irving. Even if Dallas makes the play-in, they must win multiple games to make the playoffs. Basically, without Irving, Dallas has no chance in the playoffs, even with Anthony Davis, who scared fans last night when it appeared he could have tweaked something in his midsection, but he ended up being fine. Davis getting reinjured was a major fear for Mavs fans when he returned from injury last month.

Anthony Davis can't elevate his teammates like Luka Doncic does

However, Davis may remain healthy throughout the next few games and into the play-in. Assuming this is the case, this could give Mavs fans hope. He is having a solid April, averaging 30.5 points per game in his two appearances. Davis had a good outing against the Clippers on Saturday, as he dropped in a near double-double with 27 points and nine rebounds. The game prior, he had his best match with the team. Davis scored 34 points and had 15 rebounds. He also scored the game-winning shot against the Atlanta Hawks.

So, what's different? Simple: Dallas has let Davis be himself, as they have allowed him to play his natural position at the power forward spot. His progression this month has propelled the team to remain somewhat competitive in the last couple of games.

Yet, there is one Anthony Davis reality that is holding the Mavs back now, and into the future. He has had two assists over the past two games and is averaging 3.4 assists for the season. While Davis is known to be one of the better playmaking fours in the NBA, he's no Luka Doncic in that aspect.

Doncic is averaging 7.8 assists per game for the season. During his final month with Dallas, he averaged 8.1 assists per game. He had his best game on December 15 against the Golden State Warriors when he scored 45 points and had 13 assists. There are only a handful of players who can truly make every player on the floor with him better, and Doncic is part of that elite group.

His passing ability is what differentiates him in comparison to other players, as he is one of the best shot creators to ever play the game. Doncic can make everyone around him better. For example, last season, he played a pivotal role in helping Daniel Gafford tie Wilt Chamberlain's record of most consecutive field goals without a miss. Both Gafford and Lively II excelled in pick-and-roll opportunities during the 2024 NBA Playoffs, and it was because of their on-ball success with Doncic. He turned both players into monsters in the pick and roll, and without him, Dallas' pick-and-roll game clearly hasn't been the same.

Currently, Doncic is experiencing the same success with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has helped players such as LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Jared Vanderbilt, and Dalton Knecht improve their field goal percentage whenever he is on the court. He has also been pivotal in Jaxson Hayes taking the next step in his development, as he looks like a completely different player when he shares the floor with Doncic. This is due in part to his ability to open up the floor more and find his teammates in the right spot.

Last season, Doncic led the NBA in on-ball gravity. This means that teams were glued to him any time that he had the ball in his hands. Doncic's ability to navigate through the opposing team's defense despite him getting swarmed all the time is what helped him open up opportunities for his teammates. His passing out of double teams is incredible, and he was the perfect type of player to build around to go win a title, but Dallas had other plans.

Doncic's offensive success has the Lakers close to clinching the third spot in the Western Conference if they can finish strong. His ability to elevate his teammates is something the Mavs truly miss, as they had a chance to win every game that he played in, regardless of who shared the floor with him. Dallas will now have to limit Doncic from creating magic on Wednesday. This will be the first time Doncic has played in Dallas since the trade. Mavs fans, get your popcorn ready, this is going to be a fun one.