Mavericks Lose Rising Star to Lakers in Shocking Last-Minute Deal!

The NBA offseason has reached its quietest point, with the major free agent signings long completed and training camp still a few weeks away. However, Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving broke the silence recently by discussing his drive to return to the NBA Finals during a Twitch stream. He took responsibility for not playing at his best last season, signaling his eagerness for a stronger performance in the upcoming year.

While much of the recent Mavericks news has centered around Irving, another familiar face from last season is making a move. Former Mavs wing Alex Fudge has signed with the Los Angeles Lakers after being waived by Dallas following the Kessler Edwards deal. Fudge, who was on a two-way contract with the Mavericks last season, is now heading back to the Lakers, where he previously played before joining Dallas. With training camp around the corner, Fudge will compete for a roster spot on a Lakers team with more depth than many realize.

In his brief stint with the Mavericks, Fudge appeared in just two games, averaging 5.5 points per contest while shooting an impressive 55.6 percent from the field. Despite showing defensive promise, his offensive skills remain underdeveloped. He spent most of his time in the G League and struggled during the Summer League, averaging just 4.6 points and shooting a poor 12.5 percent from beyond the arc. Given the Mavericks’ need for wings who can consistently hit open shots, both parties likely agreed it was time to part ways.

Fudge’s time in Dallas may have been short, but he was part of the team that made it to the 2024 NBA Finals. Although two-way players aren’t eligible to play in the postseason, Fudge was a constant presence on the sidelines, supporting his teammates throughout the playoff run. He now has the opportunity to continue his development in Los Angeles, where a strong training camp could earn him a spot on the Lakers’ roster.