Luka Doncic was officially introduced as the Los Angeles Lakers’ new star on Tuesday, just days after a surprising trade from the Dallas Mavericks.
At 25 years old, Doncic is now set to team up with LeBron James on the court, joining a franchise where Kobe Bryant became a legend. Doncic has always spoken highly of both Bryant and James. “Just for Kobe to know my name was amazing for me,” Doncic said about his first meeting with Bryant.
Doncic is expected to play a key role in the Lakers’ push for the playoffs, but he is still recovering from a calf injury he suffered on Christmas Day.
He won’t be playing in the Lakers’ road game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, and there is no confirmed date for his debut with the team yet. However, the Lakers plan to have a five-on-five practice on Wednesday, which will allow Doncic to test his calf and play with his new teammates.
When asked about the surprise and disappointment from Mavericks fans after the trade, which sent All-NBA player Anthony Davis to Dallas, Doncic remained optimistic. “I’m just excited to be here to start this new journey, and obviously at some point, I knew this was going to happen, but I would say I always take the high road,” Doncic said.
“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.”
With James and Davis already forming a successful inside-out duo for the Lakers, the combination of James and Doncic will bring a similar skillset to the team, as both players can score, shoot from long range, pass, and rebound.
“It’s just a dream come true, you know,” Doncic said about playing alongside the four-time MVP. “I always say I look up to him. There are so many things I can learn from him and I’m excited just to learn everything. I get to play with him and it’s an amazing feeling.”
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka confirmed that the trade idea first came up when the Lakers visited Dallas in early January. The deal was kept quiet until it was finalized late Saturday, right after the Lakers beat the New York Knicks on the road.
“I think Luka Doncic joining forces with the Los Angeles Lakers is a seismic event in NBA history,” Pelinka said. “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. And I think when those two powerful forces get together, it brings basketball joy to the world because that’s how Luka plays. He plays with joy.”
Doncic admitted that the trade was a surprise to him as well. “Everybody was surprised so you can imagine how surprised I was,” he said. “I was almost asleep so when I got a call, I had to check that it was April 1. I didn’t believe it at first. It was a bit of a shock. I had hard moments for me. (Dallas) was home. But (now) I get to play for the greatest club in the world and I’m excited for this new journey.”
Pelinka addressed criticisms that Doncic’s fitness had played a part in the Mavericks’ decision to trade him. “I think greatness is an evolution and a process,” Pelinka said. “And I think if you are striving for perfection, as we are as an organization, or as a player is, you’re going to have challenges to make yourself better until you don’t play anymore.”
Along with Doncic, the Lakers also received Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in the trade. The Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick. The Jazz helped facilitate the trade and will receive Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round draft pick via the Los Angeles Clippers.
This season, Doncic has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in 22 games, all as a starter. He has spent his entire seven-year NBA career with Dallas, after being selected third overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2018 draft. The Hawks traded his rights to the Mavericks for the rights to Trae Young.
Had Doncic stayed with the Mavericks, he likely would have received a lucrative contract this summer, reportedly a five-year, $345 million supermax deal. However, with the trade, he is no longer eligible for that contract.
On the other side, 31-year-old Davis is having another strong season, averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.1 blocks in 42 games. He is a 10-time All-Star, a five-time All-NBA selection, and a five-time All-Defensive Team member.
