Lakers under 'immense pressure' to sign Luka Doncic after Mavericks trade

"Many of the stars who were traded [to the LA Lakers] over their career, whether it was Kareem or Anthony Davis, have re-signed. We did see this happen once before where Dwight Howard was traded there, it didn't work out and he didn't re-sign," said the ESPN personality. "So, the Lakers are experts at this, it's their No. 1 priority. I would bet on it. But if you're talking the real talk about what the pressure for the rest of the season is, it's to get Luka comfortable enough to say, 'This is where I want to be.'"

The advantage to which Windhorst was referring is the supermax contract that Doncic would have been eligible for had he signed an extension with Dallas this summer. Because he was traded, he's no longer eligible for such a contract. This means there is no financial incentive to re-join the Lakers, but as has been evident in the past, most players do commit to the Lakers long-term.

Since leaving Dallas, the Slovenian superstar has struggled to adjust to his new surroundings, averaging just 14.7 points on 36% from the field and 20% from three. Before being traded away without his knowledge, Doncic was putting up 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game on 46% from the field and 36% from three with Dallas. While he will certainly rebound and become the player the Lakers want him to be, the ball is now in their court to get the 25-year-old to re-sign.