LUKA DONCIC PULLED his blue '68 Camaro into the American Airlines Center parking garage and reached into the passenger seat to grab his brand-new cowboy hat. It was Dec. 25, 2022.

As a refresher, the Mavericks only received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick for a then 25-year-old five-time First-Team All-NBA selection, while players like Mikal Bridges have gone for five first-round picks. But there is one specific trade asset that the Mavericks didn't receive that Windhorst calls "malpractice."

For the first time since being traded at the NBA trade deadline, Luka Doncic is set to return to Dallas on Wednesday as the Los Angeles Lakers face off against