EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Luka Doncic was startled awake last Saturday night in Dallas when his phone buzzed with shocking news: the Mavericks had traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers. “You can imagine how surprised I was,” Doncic shared. “I had to double-check if it was April 1. I just couldn’t believe it.”
After a couple of days settling into LA, Doncic is starting to embrace this new chapter alongside LeBron James and the iconic franchise on the sunny West Coast. While teammates past and present affirm Doncic’s relentless drive for greatness, the trade has added significant fuel to his competitive fire after the Mavericks signaled doubts about his talent and resolve through this major move.
“It was a big shock,” Doncic noted. “(Dallas) felt like home, and it was really tough for me. But now, I get to play for one of the greatest clubs in the world, and I’m really looking forward to this adventure.”
The Lakers officially introduced Doncic on Tuesday, just days following the acquisition in which they traded Anthony Davis and Max Christie in a three-team deal for the young star. Doncic, who earned a scoring title last season and guided the Mavericks to the NBA Finals, has been selected to the All-NBA team five times and is also a five-time All-Star.
It is highly unusual for players of Doncic’s caliber and accomplishment to be traded, especially in such an unforeseen manner. Still, the Lakers jumped at the chance to secure the 25-year-old sensation when Dallas opted to part ways with him, offering one of basketball’s elite big men, Davis, in return.
As Doncic navigates this transition, he can’t ignore the incredible prospects that lie ahead of him in Los Angeles, especially as he gears up to play the game alongside the 40-year-old James, the highest scorer in NBA history. “Honestly, it was really challenging at first,” Doncic reflected. “The first day was difficult. It felt like the last 48 hours stretched into a month. It was emotionally taxing, but today is much better. This is the Lakers; it’s among the best organizations in history, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”
Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka expressed his enthusiasm about acquiring Doncic during a media event at the team’s training facility. He proclaimed that Doncic’s presence would bring “basketball joy to the world,” emphasizing the significance of having such a superstar join the franchise.
“We have one of the game’s superstars and an international talent coming to be a Laker,” Pelinka remarked. “This is going to be something special that the NBA and basketball community have never seen before.”
LeBron James, also taken aback by the trade, quickly reached out to Doncic to welcome him to the Lakers. Doncic has often expressed his admiration for James, calling him an idol. “It feels like a dream come true,” Doncic said. “I’ve always looked up to him. There’s so much I can learn from him, and I’m eager to absorb everything while playing alongside him. It’s an incredible opportunity.”
Doncic has been sidelined since Christmas due to a calf strain but is nearing a return, scheduled to participate in 5-on-5 practice drills. The Lakers intend to outline his debut plans afterward. They will have four games in the Los Angeles area over the next week, including a matchup against the Clippers on Tuesday followed by three consecutive home games.
The trade has sparked intense reactions across the sports community, with many Mavericks fans, including Doncic’s father, expressing their anger and disbelief over the decision. His father remarked that Luka “absolutely did not deserve this.”
The trade negotiations raised eyebrows within the league, particularly because of how discreetly the Lakers and Mavericks kept them under wraps. Pelinka took pride in managing to keep the talks confidential, which he initiated at a coffee shop with Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, an old friend.
Many prominent players have voiced their surprise at the abruptness of the trade. Golden State guard Stephen Curry commented, “Coming off the finals, it reminds you that very few players can be confident about their standing in the league.”
Further elaborating on the matter, Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards expressed his disbelief: “They just traded arguably the best scorer in the NBA at 25, and he wasn’t even notified beforehand. It raises questions about why this trade happened. You don’t just get rid of someone like him after a finals run.”
Along with Doncic, the Lakers also acquired Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in the deal with Dallas. Both players praised Doncic’s strong work ethic and leadership qualities, dismissing any rumors about the Mavericks being worried about his fitness. “If he can go out there and drop 30, 15, and 10 like it’s nothing, I’m not sure what people consider in shape,” Morris said. “You’ll see for yourself soon enough.”
Morris, who previously won a championship ring with the Lakers in 2020, noted that he learned he was traded on Saturday night without being informed of the destination. He found out online like everyone else. Kleber, recovering from a foot injury, is currently on crutches and expects to be re-evaluated in eight weeks, potentially positioning him for a postseason return.
“I don’t think Luka requires additional motivation,” Kleber said. “He’s always been competitive, and that’s inherently part of his character. If anything, he’ll be even more driven.”
