Luka Doncic is excited to join the Los Angeles Lakers, and revealed the trade was a big shock for him. According to a three-team deal between the Dallas Mavericks, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Utah Jazz, L.A. will receive Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris from the Mavericks. Dallas will have Anthony Davis, Max Christie and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick.
“You can imagine how surprised I was,” Doncic said. “I had to check if it was April 1. I didn’t really believe it.”
The Slovenian said he is looking forward to playing for the Lakers in this new journey.
“It was a big shock,” Doncic said. “[Dallas] was home, so it was really hard moments for me. … [But now] I get to play in the greatest club in the world, and I’m excited for this new journey.
“… 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.”
The Lakers formally welcomed Doncic on Tuesday. Doncic is a five-time All-NBA selection and a five-time All-Star and played a key role in taking the Mavericks to the NBA finals in the previous season.
Doncic added it was hard for him to digest the stunning news at first but he is looking forward to the new challenge.
“Honestly, it was hard at first,” Doncic said. “That first day was really hard. I felt like these last 48 hours was one month. Emotionally, it was really hard, but today was much better. This is the Lakers. It’s one of the best clubs in history, so I’m excited to be here.”
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka showered praise on Luka Doncic and said the franchise is delighted to get him on board.
“I think Luka Donic 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.”
