The Los Angeles Lakers were able to acquire Luka Doncic for less than the Dallas Mavericks wanted to give in return.

The Athletic's Fred Katz, Joe Vardon, and Sam Amick reported that due to the secrecy of negotiations, the Lakers couldn't reach out to Doncic to gauge his interest in being with the franchise long-term. As a result, Los Angeles told the Mavericks the franchise couldn't go all-in on a trade for the 25-year-old star. Dallas general manager Nico Harrison relented in his demands.

From the piece:

That's smart business by Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. He was able to land Doncic while only surrendering one first-round pick while holding on to Austin Reaves.

The Athletic's report added this kicker to the story:

The Mavericks landed an All-NBA player in Davis and an emerging three-and-D wing in Christie, while adding a first-round pick. But they clearly could have gotten more from the Lakers to consummate the deal.