NBA: Doncic ‘excited’ to join Lakers but admits trade from Mavericks was ‘big shock’

The five-time All-NBA star is ready for his new chapter on the West Coast.

Luka Doncic Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic was awoken by his phone buzzing on Saturday night before learning that the Dallas Mavericks were trading him to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The NBA superstar has begun to recover from that shock after his first two days in LA, and he’s growing increasingly excited about a new chapter with LeBron James and his famed new team on the West Coast.

And while his past and future team-mates say Doncic has never lacked motivation to be great, he has all the fuel he’ll ever need after the Mavericks inherently questioned his talent and determination by making the seismic trade.

“You can imagine how surprised I was,” Doncic said. “I had to check if it was April 1. I didn’t really believe it.”

“It was a big shock. “[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.”

The Lakers officially introduced Doncic on Tuesday, just days after finalising a three-team trade that sent Anthony Davis and Max Christie away in exchange for the Slovenian star, who captured his first scoring title last season and led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals.

It’s rare for players of Doncic’s calibre and age to be traded, let alone in such an unexpected manner. But once Dallas decided to part ways with their 25-year-old franchise player, the Lakers jumped at the chance, parting with Davis, one of the league’s premier big men.

Doncic is still coming to terms with the move, but he’s already recognising the incredible opportunities that come with playing in Los Angeles alongside 40-year-old LeBron James.

“Honestly, it was hard at first,” Doncic admitted. “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.”

Had he stayed in Dallas, Doncic was eligible for a five-year, $345 million supermax extension. The trade means he no longer qualifies for that contract.

When asked if he or his representatives signalled any reluctance to sign such an extension with the Mavericks, Doncic was clear.

“Absolutely not,” he said.

Though LeBron James was just as surprised by the trade as the rest of the league, he quickly reached out to welcome Doncic to the Lakers. Doncic has long spoken of James as his idol.

“It’s just like a dream come true,” Doncic said. “I always looked up to him. 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.”

Doncic has been sidelined since Christmas due to a calf strain but is nearing a return. He will take part in full-court practice on Wednesday, after which the Lakers will determine when he will make his debut, which could come as early as Saturday against the Indiana Pacers.

The Lakers have a busy schedule in Los Angeles over the next week, starting with a road game against the Clippers on Tuesday night, followed by three consecutive home games.

As part of the deal, the Lakers also received Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris from Dallas. Both players praised Doncic’s dedication and leadership while dismissing concerns about his conditioning.

“I hear the stuff about him not being in shape, but 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,” Morris said. “You’re gonna see it really soon. You’ll make the [determination] if he’s in shape or not.”

“I don’t know if a guy like Luka needs extra motivation, because I’ve seen him work, and how competitive he is over the years,” Kleber said. “I think he was that type of person already before. But if you want to add something to it, he will be competitive, for sure.”

 

Picture of Mitch Fretton

Mitch Fretton

Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football.

101GreatGoals.com