Luka Doncic is adjusting to life as on the Los Angeles Lakers after being shockingly traded by the Dallas Mavericks.

Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

After over two weeks have passed, the decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers continues to be indecipherable. Doncic was a beloved superstar on the Dallas Mavericks, loved by the city and dominating on the court. However, off-court concerns around his attitude, his lack of defense, and poor conditioning led to the Mavericks trading him before he became eligible for a supermax contract.

Doncic is excited to join the Lakers, but it seems like he will continue grappling with the decision the Mavericks made to part with him.

“Joining the Lakers is an incredible honor. I’m here to give my best and help this team succeed. The Lakers have such a rich history, and I’m ready to be a part of it.”

“I spent so much time in Dallas and built amazing memories there. It’s tough to leave that behind. I will always appreciate the Mavericks and their fans. They made me the player I am today, and that’s not something I take lightly.”

“It’s a fresh start, and I’m looking forward to it, But I won’t forget my time in Dallas. I’ll always carry that with me.”

Mavericks fans and Doncic himself will continue questioning why this decision was made, but Luka has to move on immediately as he has a season to complete with the Lakers. He’s averaged 15.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in his first two games with the franchise while on a minutes restriction

He’s expected to play heavier minutes in the final stretch of the season after the All-Star break is over. The 32-20 Lakers will be hoping Doncic’s arrival can help the franchise not only secure its first 50-win season since 2020 but also a top-four seed in the West. They’re currently No. 5.

Luka Doncic Thought He Would Retire On The Mavericks

Even though there have been concerns about Doncic’s long-term future with the Mavericks, the Slovenian star made it clear those concerns never came from him in his first press conference as a Laker.

“I thought I was gonna spend my whole career there because I think loyalty is a big word for me, and I was trying to stay by that. But this, for me, is a fresh start. I get to play in LA, the fans are amazing, and I got the ocean here, so it’s a really big thing for me.”

Doncic also took the high road by not addressing any Mavericks front office members, thanking his old teammates and coaches with the Mavs.

“I’m just excited to be here and start this new journey. Obviously, at some point, I knew this was going to happen. But 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.”

Everyone knows of the Mavericks’ lack of faith in Doncic’s ability to stay healthy or in shape, something which Doncic made clear to everyone will motivate him.

 “It’s a motive. I know it’s not true. But it’s a motive. I came here, one of the biggest clubs in the history of sports, so it’s a big motive for a long run here.”

From what others have said and what we’ve seen, it’s clear Doncic is still shaken up from this deal. However, he now gets a week away from basketball to digest the decision and uproot his young family from Dallas to Los Angeles, where he has the opportunity to become one of the biggest stars in sports.