The trade between Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, while beneficial for the Lakers' long-term strategy, highlighted its immediate drawbacks during a crucial game against the Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert dominated the court with 27 points and 24 rebounds, exposing the Lakers' defensive vulnerabilities without Davis. The absence of Jaxson Hayes further exacerbated the issue, as the Lakers struggled to contain Gobert's performance. Despite the Timberwolves' poor three-point shooting, the Lakers missed Davis's defensive prowess, which could have turned the game in their favor. Ultimately, the season concluded for the Lakers amidst reflections on the trade's impact and missed opportunities, as exemplified by Kyrie Irving's presence courtside symbolizing the various potential paths not taken.

The Lakers' decision to trade Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic was strategic for long-term benefits, providing the franchise with a key player for the future, despite the defensive shortcomings observed in the immediate aftermath.

In a critical game against the Timberwolves, Rudy Gobert's outstanding performance, scoring 27 points and securing 24 rebounds, showcased the Lakers' defensive struggles without Davis's presence.

The Lakers' failure to play Jaxson Hayes during the match intensified their defensive woes, as they were unable to curb Gobert's dominance on the court.

Despite the Timberwolves' poor shooting from the three-point line, going 7-for-47, the Lakers' lack of interior defense highlighted the potential difference Davis could have made in turning the game into a blowout victory.

The 2020 season had previously proven the effectiveness of the Lakers' team dynamics with Davis, making his absence in this crucial game more glaring and highlighting what was lost with the trade.

While the trade for Doncic is expected to be a beneficial move in the long run, the immediate impact was felt during this season-ending loss, illustrating the complexity and risks involved in such high-stakes trades.

The presence of Kyrie Irving sitting courtside served as a reminder of the alternative paths and outcomes that could have been explored, underscoring the emotional and strategic weight of the Lakers' decisions and missed opportunities.

No one is saying that the Lakers should go back and undo the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade.

Los Angeles got the face of its franchise for the next decade, and he seems to be happy about it, too.

But it was hard to watch the Lakers fall to the Timberwolves (specifically 27 points on 12-15 FG from Rudy Gobert) and wonder about how things could've looked differently.

L.A. traded Davis, an all-time great defender, for Doncic, who is a bit closer to resembling a traffic cone out there defensively.

And then in the Lakers' final game of the season, Gobert went for 27 with 24 rebounds.

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Los Angeles didn't play Jaxson Hayes a single second, which made things feel that much worse.

Davis likely would've neutralized Gobert entirely.

Given that the Timberwolves shot 7-for-47 from 3-point range, the interior presence of Davis would've likely made this a blowout.

The Lakers did have proof in 2020 that they could get the job done with a group that included us.

Long term, of course they had to make the Doncic trade. It still will likely go down as an absolute fleecing.

But on Wednesday night, AD was sorely missed by the Lakers.

The full picture was completed by Kyrie Irving sitting courtside. Los Angeles, Doncic, Davis, all the band had various chances at different outcomes here.

But by the end of Wednesday night, the season was over for all of them.

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