Luka Dončić Reflects on Shock Trade to Lakers, Excited for New Journey

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Luka Dončić expressed his disbelief and excitement after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in a shocking three-team deal announced last Saturday. The superstar, who won his first scoring title last season, is now set to team up with LeBron James, creating a much-anticipated duo in the NBA.

“You can imagine how surprised I was. I had to check if it was April 1. I didn’t really believe it,” Dončić said during his introductory press conference on Tuesday. He described the initial moments following the trade as emotionally challenging, stating, “It was a big shock. It was 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.”

The Lakers acquired Dončić in exchange for forward Anthony Davis and Max Christie, sealing the deal to enhance their roster significantly. General manager Rob Pelinka did not hold back his enthusiasm during the announcement. “We have one of the game’s biggest superstars and an international player coming to join the Lakers. I think it’s going to be something incredibly special that the NBA and basketball has never seen before,” Pelinka said.

Dončić’s trade has sent shockwaves throughout the basketball community, especially since such a young player with his talents is rarely moved. Essential to the Mavericks’ run to the NBA Finals last season, the 25-year-old has been a pivotal part of Dallas’ success, accumulating five All-NBA selections

Many fans in Dallas reacted with anger to the decision, including Dončić’s father, Sasa, who stated, “My son absolutely did not deserve this.” Nationally, the move sparked disbelief, with Golden State guard Stephen Curry remarking, “It’s kind of a very unique situation across the board.” Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards added, “They traded probably the best scorer in the NBA at 25.”

Dončić has been sidelined since Christmas due to a calf strain but is expected to participate in practice soon and could potentially debut as a Laker in the coming days. The team has a busy schedule, featuring four games within a week, including a local matchup against the Clippers.

Having admired LeBron James throughout his career, Dončić is eager to learn from the league’s all-time top scorer. “It’s just like a dream come true,” Dončić said. “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.”

The Lakers also acquired Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in the transaction with Dallas. Both new teammates praised Dončić’s work ethic, dismissing rumors that the Mavericks were concerned about his conditioning. Morris emphasized, “If you can go in an NBA game and get 30 and 15 and 10 like it’s nothing, then I don’t really know what shape is.”

Kleber, recovering from foot surgery, will be re-evaluated in eight weeks, while both he and Morris expressed confidence in Dončić’s ability to rise to the challenge in Los Angeles.

Following the trade, the basketball world has turned its eyes to the potential chemistry between Dončić and James. James stated, “It’s going to be special. We’re gonna attract a lot of eyes. Luka is a big-time player at 25. He hasn’t even reached his prime yet.”