Luka Dončić Joins Lakers: “A Dream Come True” to Play with LeBron

Luka Dončić is officially a Los Angeles Laker! The former Mavs star opens up about the shocking trade, his excitement to play with LeBron James, and his feelings about leaving Dallas.


Luka Dončić Joins Lakers, Calls It a “Dream Come True” to Play with LeBron

Luka Dončić is now officially a Los Angeles Laker, and he couldn’t be more excited to team up with LeBron James.

Speaking at his introductory press conference on Tuesday after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks, Dončić called it “just like a dream come true” to be on the same team as the NBA legend.

“I always looked up to him. … It’s an amazing feeling,” Dončić said. He also took a moment to honor the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi, adding, “I wish Kobe and Gigi were here to see this moment.”

Adjusting to a New Team

While he’s excited about his new chapter, Dončić admitted that the trade caught him off guard.

“That first day was really hard … I feel like the last 48 hours was one month,” he told reporters.

He also shared his emotional reaction to leaving Dallas, where he thought he’d spend his whole career.

“I thought I was gonna stay my whole career there. Loyalty is a big word for me… [But] I got the ocean here. I get to play for the Lakers. Not many get to say that.”

The Mavericks stunned the sports world on Sunday by trading Dončić, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.

Also Read: Big NBA Trades Shake Up Teams Before Deadline

Luka Dončić Joins Lakers: "A Dream Come True" to Play with LeBron
Luka Dončić Joins Lakers: “A Dream Come True” to Play with LeBron

Why Did Dallas Trade Dončić?

When asked why the Mavericks moved him, Dončić didn’t have an answer.

“They made a decision. I don’t know why,” he said.

He also shared how he found out about the trade:

“I was asleep. … I had to check my phone to see if it was April 1st.”

Dallas GM Nico Harrison confirmed that the Lakers were the only team he negotiated with about trading Dončić. He also made it clear that Dončić never asked to leave or refused to sign an extension. Dončić backed that up, saying, “Absolutely not” when asked if he told the team he wouldn’t re-sign.

Lakers See Dončić as a Game-Changer

Lakers GM Rob Pelinka called the trade a “seismic event” for the NBA. He revealed that negotiations with Dallas lasted nearly three weeks, and team owner Jeanie Buss was involved from the start.

Meanwhile, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd had no say in the deal and only found out after it was done. Even longtime Mavs owner Mark Cuban—who no longer controls the team—said he wasn’t involved.

Former Mavs player Chandler Parsons even texted Cuban after the trade, and Cuban admitted he was just as confused as everyone else. An ESPN source added, “No way Mark would ever trade Luka. It wouldn’t even be a conversation.”

Also Read: Luka Dončić Says Goodbye to Mavericks After Trade to Lakers

What Went Wrong in Dallas?

Reports suggest that behind the scenes, Dallas was growing frustrated with Dončić.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, “The Mavs’ relationship with Dončić was more fractured than anyone comprehended.”

One major factor? Money. Dončić was eligible for a record-breaking five-year, $345 million contract extension this summer. But according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Mavs were “terrified of a supermax commitment.” His ongoing conditioning struggles also reportedly caused “major concerns” within the organization.

What’s Next for Luka?

Now, Dončić is looking forward to his future with the Lakers. He gets to play with LeBron, chase championships in L.A., and enjoy life by the ocean.

Dallas may have let him go, but Lakers fans are ready to embrace him. And one thing’s for sure—Luka’s story in the NBA is far from over.

Also Read: Should the 49ers Sign Khalil Mack to Boost Their Pass Rush?

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