Just like everyone else, Luka Doncic was in absolute shock after the Mavericks decided to trade him to the Los Angeles Lakers, which also involved Anthony Davis going to Dallas in a multi-team trade.
And much like life, basketball goes on for Doncic.
[ALSO READ: Outtanowhere: The Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis mega trade in Philippine terms]
"It was a big shock. [Dallas] was home. [But now] I get to play in the greatest club in the world, and I'm excited for this new journey,” Doncic said in a Lakers press conference--his first public appearance since the blockbuster trade.
The 25-year-old star, alongside Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, were formally introduced by the Lakers, Wednesday, February 5.
The @Lakers introduce Markieff Morris, Luka Doncic and Maxi Kleber!
— NBA (@NBA) February 4, 2025
Doncic admitted he was nearly asleep when he learned that the Mavericks pulled the plug on dealing him to Hollywood, revealing how trade affected him “emotionally.”
"You can imagine how surprised I was. I had to check if it was April 1. I didn't really believe it," the five-time All-Star said.
"Honestly, it was hard at first. That first day was really hard. I felt like these last 48 hours were one month. Emotionally, it was really hard.”
"When I got a call, I had to check if it was April 1st. I didn't really believe it at first."
— ESPN (@espn) February 4, 2025
–Luka on when he got the call he was being traded
But as one chapter closes, another one starts. For Doncic, it is having a fresh start in LA and an opportunity to team up with his idol LeBron James which he said is a “dream come true.”
On top of all of that, one thing remains certain for Luka: win the ultimate prize.
“You don't come here for nothing else than championships, so I have everything left to prove."
Do you feel you have something to prove?
— ESPN (@espn) February 4, 2025
"Win a championship. You don't come here for nothing else than championships, so I have everything left to prove."
The 25-year-old added: "I always looked up to him [James]. There's so many things I can learn from him, and I'm just excited to learn everything and get to play with him. It's an amazing feeling,"
“This is the Lakers. It's one of the best clubs in history, so I'm excited to be here."
Doncic also revealed that James called him shortly after the trade and showed empathy on what just transpired.
“He called me right away and he said, ‘I understand what you’re feeling.' But that was really nice of him to call me right away and welcome me to LA," the five-time All-NBA team member shared.
"[LeBron] called me right away."
— ESPN (@espn) February 4, 2025
–Luka said he got the call immediately from LeBron James after the trade
Players like Doncic, given his otherworldly talent, are rarely traded in any sport, and especially not so suddenly. However, when Dallas opted to part ways with its 25-year-old star, the Lakers were quick to offer Davis — one of the top big men in basketball — to facilitate the deal.
He had nothing but praise for the team that he spent his first seven seasons with and insisted that he didn't indicate that he wouldn't sign a supermax extension to remain with Dallas in the offseason.
"I would say I always take the high road. I had my amazing moments in Dallas with all my teammates, coaches and most importantly the fans. They always supported me, and it was an amazing journey," Doncic spoke.
"At some point I knew this was gonna happen but I would say I always take the high road."
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 4, 2025
— Luka Doncic on being traded from Dallas to Los Angeles
Still sticking to his familiar No. 77 with the Lakers, general manager Rob Pelinka called Doncic's addition to LA a “seismic event.”
"I think Luka Doncic joining forces with the Los Angeles Lakers is a seismic event in NBA history. We have a 25-year-old global superstar that is going to get on the stage of the most popular and influential basketball brand on the globe. He plays with joy," Pelinka stated.
“It’s a gift. We’re talking about a 25-year-old that is [a] top 3 player in the universe.”
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 4, 2025
Rob Pelinka says he can’t think of a better ‘starting point’ to build a roster around for the next decade other than Luka
Doncic hasn't played since Christmas because of a calf strain and some reports stated that one of the reasons the Mavs traded Luka is his conditioning but Morris taught otherwise.
"I hear the stuff about him not being in shape, but if you can go to an NBA game and get 30 and 15 and 10 like it's nothing, then I don't really know what shape is.”
“He’s a great guy. Super low maintenance… one of the only guys I’ve been on a team with that’ll play though any injury… I hear stuff about him not being in shape, but if you can go in an NBA game and get 30, 15, and 10, then I don’t know what shape is.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 4, 2025
Markieff Morris on the…
