Luka Doncic sends Mavericks a brutal message — and Anthony Davis is on the clock

Since the Luka Doncic trade, the Dallas Mavericks have revamped their roster. The team was gifted the No. 1 pick, as they selected Cooper Flagg earlier this summer. He is a future superstar who has all the intangibles to help elevate Dallas to the next level. However, even with Flagg in the mix, it will take time for fans to get over Doncic.

Doncic was a cornerstone piece for the Mavs. He helped carry the team to multiple championships and was the face of the franchise after Dirk Nowitzki's retirement. His time, though, was cut after Nico Harrison traded Doncic for Anthony Davis. Some signs imply that Harrison traded Doncic due to his conditioning issues, among other factors.

It's a move Doncic hasn't forgotten. Recently, the former Mav was spotted on the cover of Men's Health magazine, looking in the best shape of his life. His new transformation is an indirect statement to past criticism, a look the Mavs shouldn't take lightly. Basically, Doncic's new look is something Anthony Davis shouldn't take for granted.

Luka Doncic is thriving — now all eyes are on Anthony Davis

Harrison traded for Davis because they felt he was a step up from Doncic. He thought Davis was a two-way player, something the Mavs thought they were missing. He also believed that Doncic relied heavily on his offensive game and lacked the defensive skill Davis had. It's a gamble that now puts all the pressure on Davis.

Recently, Doncic has been spotted undergoing a new physical transformation, as mentioned. He looked toned and ripped, and it looked as though it was a direct shot at Harrison's past remarks, as he was motivated to make a change this summer. Doncic commented on his new look Monday when asked whether he sent the Mavs a copy. He responded by stating, "They probably saw it," and I don't have to worry about that."

It's clear Doncic hasn't gotten over the trade, as he responded by upping his workout routine. This is something Davis shouldn't take lightly. Davis was traded for Doncic, and he now must match Doncic's energy.

Last season, Davis played nine games for the Mavericks, as he missed most of the season with a left adductor strain. He injured himself in his first game with Dallas, but returned six weeks later. He helped the Mavs win one play-in game and was a key contributor with Kyrie Irving out for the season.

Davis must now up his game, as Doncic has proven Harrison wrong. If the trade were to work in Dallas's favor, it's up to Davis. This means that Davis must stay healthy for most of the season and stay in shape. This also means he must outplay Doncic and prove Harrison's actions to be true.

This will be a hard task, as Doncic dominated for the Lakers. He averaged 28.2 points per game, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in 28 games. Davis, on the other hand, played nine games and averaged 20 points per game and 10.1 rebounds. So, performance-wise, Davis must match Doncic's transformation, and it starts with him being on the court.

Doncic has answered Harrison's calling, and the team must respond. If Dallas fails to respond, it'll be another missed opportunity by Nico Harrison and the organization. This all begins with Anthony Davis, as he is the common denominator. He must prove critics wrong and be more durable next season.

So, Davis' health will likely make or break the Mavs' next season. He must be in the best shape of his life and prove he is worth trading for. Plus, if he can hold down the fort while Irving is absent, then it would solidify his status with the team. Basically, Doncic answered Harrison's call, and it's up to Davis to do the same.