THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS A trade so shocking the reporter who broke it had to ensure us he wasn't hacked. A trade so wild other NBA stars couldn't comprehend it. A trade so extraordinary that it actually is unprecedented -- a word we throw around a lot,

The Lakers might have improved offensively, but they lost two key defenders in the stunning deal and are lacking big men with the trade deadline on Thursday.

Doncic had not requested a trade. Dallas traded away its best player and biggest star months before his contract could be extended.