Though Austin Reaves is nearing a return from his month-long absence and LeBron James continues to defy time in Year 23, there is no denying that the Los Angeles Lakers will ultimately go as far as Luka Doncic takes them.

The Los Angeles Lakers continue a season-long eight-game road swing on Friday when they take to the nation's capital to face the Washington Wizards.

Doncic is dealing with ankle soreness after slipping off Cleveland's raised court Wednesday while Reaves has been updated from out.

Lakers linked to trade for Luka Doncic's $27 million former Mavericks teammate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. In terms of familiarity, the Dallas Mavericks might be the best trade partner for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Luka Doncic led his team to a comeback win in the American Airlines Center on Saturday night, but his team isn't the Dallas Mavericks anymore.

The clock to make upgrades is ticking. The approaching February 5 deadline has forced teams to take major actions.